Erik ten Hag brought Rasmus Hojlund to Man Utd. (Image: Getty)
Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has aired his honest opinion of former manager Erik ten Hag amid a goal-deficient second season at Old Trafford. Ten Hag brought Hojlund to his dream club in the summer of 2023, sanctioning an eye-watering £72million deal to sign him from Atalanta.
The 22-year-old showed promising glimpses throughout his debut year in English football, plundering 16 goals across all competitions as United's top scorer. However, he has regressed in another troublesome campaign for the Red Devils, netting eight goals, only three of which were in the Premier League. Hojlund has managed to score just once in his last 21 appearances as he struggles to make an impact under new boss, Ruben Amorim.
Yet, the Denmark international is excited about the future under Amorim and fondly looks back at his time with Ten Hag, despite the dismal start to the season that led to his November sacking.
"This season has been mixed, both for me and for the club," Hojlund told Tipsbladet.dk while with the national team.
"There's been a coaching change, with Ruben Amorim replacing Erik ten Hag, and I'm focused on this new project because it's incredibly exciting.
"Erik was one of the reasons I moved to Manchester United. He was a talented coach, but things didn't work out—that's just how football is."
Rasmus Hojlund has scored just three Premier League goals this season. (Image: Getty)
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He added: "I'm still very happy to be at Manchester United. It's the club I've always dreamed of playing for. And I'm really happy with Ruben—he's a cool character and a great person."
A week before Hojlund ended his goal drought in Sunday's 3-0 win at Leicester City, he squandered a glorious opportunity to find the net against Arsenal at Old Trafford.
After the match, footage emerged of United legend Peter Schmeichel putting his arm around his confidence-shot compatriot's shoulder and sharing some words of wisdom outside the stadium.
"Peter helps me occasionally and listens to how I'm feeling—both in good times and bad," Hojlund said.
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"I wouldn't call him a father figure, but he's been through it before.
"He knows what it means to play for Manchester United as a Dane, and it's nice to have someone to spar with on that front."
And while his own career is still in its infancy, Hojlund is keen to act as a senior figure to United's younger Danes, Patrick Dorgu and Chido Obi, like Christian Eriksen was for him.
He continued: "It's also about finding your own path. Christian [Eriksen] helps me and the others, but if anyone needs advice, I'm available—for everyone here and for Patrick [Dorgu] and Chido [Obi]."
