“He wants to score goals,” – that was Erik ten Hag’s assessment when explaining why Man United decided to invest up to 72 million pounds for a 20-year-old striker. After a complete deadlock in their efforts to sign Harry Kane, the Red Devils looked towards an investment for the future and Rasmus Hojlund met all of Ten Hag’s criteria.
Hojlund is still looking for his first Premier League goal.
The Dutch strategist said: “I think he has a huge potential. Now it’s up to him to develop that first and we will support him fully.”
After 13 games in his career at Man United, Hojlund is trying to prove that he can provide many goals for the team. However, so far, he has only scored 3 times, all in the Champions League. Saturday’s 1-0 win over Fulham was his 8th ‘failure’ in the Premier League.
Hojlund did not come to Old Trafford with the image of an assassin who has proven his talent and can guarantee the number of goals that Kane can do. But really, what he showed was promising and encouraging. His effort and playing attitude even make many seniors embarrassed.
Like any centre-forward, this 20-year-old needs service to develop, however, Man United’s lack of creativity and incoherence since the beginning of the season cannot provide him with that.
Antony played so poorly this season.
Ten Hag have five wingers in the first team, including Jadon Sancho, but they have only managed three assists this season, all of which went to Rashford. Alejandro Garnacho, Facundo Pellistri, Rashford, Sancho and Antony combined have only contributed to goals 5 times so far, 4 of which (1 goal and 3 assists) were marked by Rashford’s boot. But it should be remembered that the British star has been criticized many times for his poor decision-making ability and not giving Hojlund enough opportunities.
Antony has not scored a goal since May. Ten Hag’s favorite student played poorly against Fulham, not creating a single chance for Hojlund, or other teammates. Hojlund proved with his first goal against Galatasaray last month that, if a dangerous cross appears, he will know how to take advantage of it. However, Antony rarely crosses the ball and even if he does, the former Ajax star does not have the necessary accuracy.
Garnacho is not a good passer, with a tendency to break through and shoot. Pellistri was not given as many opportunities to play as he wanted.
After all, Antony, Rashford and Garnacho are still prioritized by Ten Hag on the wings. And to grow strongly, Hojlund needs the help of this attacking trio.
Minh Tuan | 21:57 November 6, 2023
