Erik ten Hag previews Arsenal v Man Utd clash...CONTINUE READING
Erik ten Hag feels that it is wrong for Manchester United’s new signing Rasmus Hojlund to be compared to Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
The forward was acquired as part of a significant reshuffle at Old Trafford this summer, and the higher powers at the club are convinced that the £72million arrival has a big future at the club.
The 20-year-old is set to make his Red Devils this weekend against Arsenal after it was announced that he had overcome a back injury that had prevented him from featuring in the first three matches of the Premier League season.
Given that Hojlund was United’s only striker signing, there is already immense pressure on the shoulders of the ex-Atalanta star. Though many have mentioned the Denmark international in the same breath of Haaland and are hopeful that he can have a similar impact to last season’s Golden Boot winner.
However, Ten Hag feels that such claims are premature given that Hojlund has not even made his debut for the club. Quizzed on the comparisons on Friday ahead of his side’s clash with Arsenal, the ex-Ajax boss said: “I think Rasmus is a different character in our squad – and that makes it really exciting.
“The balance in my squad is very good and already we noticed this week when he came in that a different spirit is coming up. He gives that energy and also the players get energy from it. It is very good. But give him time to settle in. No player can act from the start.
“Of course, we expect a lot from Hojlund but he needs time to settle into the team and the way we play. The rest will come – I’m very confident of that. He is brave and that’s enough. He has belief and the rest will come.
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“We scouted about the skill and personality. Yes, everywhere he has been so far – Austria and Italy – he’s made a big impact. You need time and it will come – I am convinced of that.”
Given the aforementioned expectations, Ten Hag was also asked whether he felt that the young forward has the mentality to cope with the pressure of being first-choice for a club like United. And the Dutchman was similarly convincing in his praise of his new marquee arrival.
Ten Hag explained: So far he’s only been here a short time and he’s not even played any games and is now in the training sessions. But he confirms the impression of when we scouted him – and we really intensely scouted him.
He’s acting very good this week. A very good spirit. He’s very motivated to start in the team. He can’t wait and I think we did the right thing….READFULL
