Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag rallied behind young striker Rasmus Hojlund as the Danish talent manoeuvres through his debut season at Old Trafford.
Despite a hefty £64 million acquisition from Atalanta in August, the 21-year-old has faced scrutiny for his recent performance dip, netting just one goal in his last ten appearances, notably against relegated Sheffield United.
Defending Hojlund, ten Hag highlighted his commendable record of 14 goals in 40 appearances this season, emphasising the player's youth and the need for patience in his development. Acknowledging the forward's intermittent setbacks, including three injuries, ten Hag stressed the importance of nurturing Hojlund's potential for both immediate and future success.
Hojlund's contribution, notably in the Champions League with five goals, couldn't salvage United's premature exit from the group stage. However, his resurgence around the turn of the year with seven goals in six games was marred by a subsequent muscle injury, hindering his momentum.
Expressing confidence in Hojlund's resilience and determination, ten Hag anticipates a return to form for the striker. As United face Newcastle in a crucial fixture at Old Trafford, ten Hag underlines the significance of securing victory amidst their challenging season, where injuries and inconsistent performances have imperilled their European qualification aspirations.
With Lisandro Martinez potentially returning and key players like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford in contention, ten Hag emphasises the team's readiness to fight for a pivotal win against Newcastle, recognising the urgency of the situation given their current eighth position in the league standings.
