Erik ten Hag reveals conversations with Rasmus Hojlund amid Man Utd’s poor form

Erik ten Hag has explained that he’s had conversations with Rasmus Hojlund about the poor form at Manchester United impacting the striker’s goalscoring opportunities.

The Reds have struggled so far this term due to multiple factors both on and off the pitch. They sit eighth in the Premier League and third in their Champions League group.

Wednesday’s clash against Copenhagen in Denmark will prove to be a difficult encounter but three points are necessary for Erik ten Hag’s men if they want to remain in contention to qualify from their group.

Rasmus Hojlund has scored three Champions League goals in as many games for United and will be hoping to add to that tally against his former side.

Whilst the striker has personally enjoyed good form in the European competition, he has struggled in the Premier League.

Yet, not having a goal in the league suggests a storyline that isn’t quite accurate. Hojlund has looked promising in most games and made good movements in the box. The ball just isn’t coming in.

Hojlund has not had a chance created for him in the last 160 minutes in the league. The overall struggles of the team have been the main reason behind his goalscoring troubles and Erik ten Hag believes that offering a stronger in-possession game will aid the 20-year-old.

“I think as a team we can be better in possession so we can create more and better chances and that will also give our offensive players more opportunities to score goals,” he told reporters ahead of the Copenhagen game.

“What we have to work on is a stable starting XI or at least 12 or 13 players and then the routines will be better and we will create better chances.”

Hojlund has often cut a frustrated figure after failed offensive moments or when he has been replaced in games. His drive to score goals is clear and being starved of service is not ideal whatsoever.

However, Ten Hag added that he has held conversations with the young forward about those struggles and that Hojlund understands the reasons why he’s not getting the chances at the moment

“He understands but of course, we speak with him about this because he is still a young player,” he added.

“He is smart. He understands the situation he is in and he is aware of it and he wants to score goals. When he is not, he is so keen to score in the next game.

“He is working very hard in training to get his progress in.”