Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has admitted that he has been impressed with striker Rasmus Hojlund in training.
United fell to a second league defeat of the season this afternoon, losing 3-1 away at Arsenal.
Marcus Rashford gave United the lead but that was about as good as it got with Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus winning it for Arsenal.
Erik ten Hag was understandably frustrated with a few decisions; a potential foul on Rasmus Hojlund, a tight offside call on an Alejandro Garnacho goal and a potential foul on Jonny Evans as Rice scored.
It’s another away defeat for United though and Ten Hag needs to find answers quickly.
Erik ten Hag praises Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund
United fans did get a first glimpse of new signing Hojlund as the former Atalanta striker came off the bench against the Gunners.
United fans have waited a few weeks to see Hojlund in action following his big-money move from Atalanta.
The Dane posed an immediate threat to Gabriel and went close to scoring from close range.
Hojlund’s pace, power and link-up play were only seen in a brief spell but it’s enough for United fans to get excited.
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Speaking to Sky Sports before the game, Ten Hag admitted that he thinks Hojlund is a ‘threat’ and has impressed in training.
Ten Hag noted that it was an ‘intense process’ as United signed Hojlund but he has already ‘confirmed’ that the club’s scouting of him was correct.
“He’s a threat,” said Ten Hag. “We have seen during the training, he confirmed how we saw him, how we scouted him, it was an intense process. You see already, how much energy he can bring, he’s very good in his movements, he’s very mature,” he added.
Hojlund may be ready to go after the international break
There isn’t much for United fans to get excited about right now but Hojlund making an appearance was about as close as you’ll get.
The international break is now upon us and Hojlund will be heading off to take on San Marino and Finland with Denmark.
United fans will of course fear a Hojlund injury but those two games will hopefully get more match sharpness into the 20-year-old.
Ten Hag will need a result against Brighton and Hove Albion in a fortnight and having a fit and firing Hojlund would certainly boost United’s hopes.