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Rasmus Hojlund is encouraged by Erik ten Hag to shine during the Kobenhavn reunion.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag anticipates an inspired performance from striker Rasmus Hojlund as he prepares to face his former club, Kobenhavn, in the Champions League.
Hojlund, a 20-year-old striker, was born in Copenhagen and began his senior football career with the Danish club in 2020, making 32 appearances for them. He subsequently moved to Sturm Graz and then Atalanta. Earlier in the summer, he made a £72 million transfer to Manchester United.
Hojlund is set to have a swift reunion with his former club as Kobenhavn heads to Old Trafford for Champions League action, and Ten Hag is expecting a motivated display from the young striker in the match.
“You know it is a special game for him, he grew up there, you know he will be highly motivated,” Ten Hag said of Hojlund ahead of the game. “For me, for the team, and for him he has to send that in the right direction, the right balance.”
While Rasmus Hojlund has yet to score his first Premier League goal for Manchester United, he has been quite prolific in the Champions League, having scored three goals in just two appearances in the competition. This suggests that he has been more effective in European competition compared to domestic league matches.
Ten Hag backed Hojlund to continue his European form, adding: “First of all, we have to work our routines; he misses pre-season, the first four games, but I think from the moment he came in, he gave the team a lot.
“We’re building the routines, and that split moment will give him more time to make better decisions for more goals, but the goals against Galatasaray were two brilliant goals. As well, also the one in Munich.
“I think he’s a player who will always be in scoring positions in our team. I’m sure, I’m confident [he’ll score goals] and Marcus Rashford the same.”
Finally, Ten Hag stressed that Hojlund’s place in the team does not impact Anthony Martial, who was the central striker last season before the Dane’s arrival this summer.
“They can play together because Anthony Martial is also available to play from the side,” he said.