Erik ten Hag believes that Manchester United’s decision to spend $90 million on Rasmus Hojlund has been justified. Hojlund’s recent performance has been impressive, with eight goals in his past eight games for United. He became the youngest player to score in six successive Premier League matches after his two-goal performance in the 2-1 win against Luton Town. Although the young Dane didn’t score in any of his first 14 league appearances for United, Hojlund now has 13 goals in 30 games this season, which is a tally Ten Hag can be satisfied with.”We are very happy with our recruitment. We recruited the right character because he can perform under stress. And when things go against him, like in the first half of the season, he has the abilities to have a strong character, to be resilient, to be determined and to score goals, and that is what we saw when we scouted him. Of course, he needed some support because it’s not so easy when you’re so young but, in general, he kept calm and you see his abilities.”🚨🗣️| Rasmus Hojlund on his second goal: “I meant it 100%. I turned my body and flicked it in. I tried this in training. I have a lot of confidence and it went in.” #mufc pic.twitter.com/zWKsbP15oF— Red Central (@RedCentrall) February 19, 2024 After the two early strikes, Hojlund had a chance to score a hat-trick in the 78th minute, but he missed. Nevertheless, he had played well enough to earn forgiveness for this mistake. When he was replaced in the 86th minute, the 1,389 travelling United fans applauded him for his efforts. He’s been progressing.The 21-year-old Denmark international arrived from Atalanta, from a very different Italian championship and had to change a lot about his game and approach. Ten Hag has all the patience for the strong forward.”There are moments that are very important in a new club and a new league, especially for a striker to build some confidence. That was not given, but you see, he is a fighter, keeps going, and has great abilities in front of the goal. There are many ranges and areas where he can improve, but he has clear scoring abilities. But we have seen since September that he is improving in many other areas, like holding up the ball.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7881165##Kobbie Mainoo is another youngster who had an impressive performance at Luton. It was the midfielder’s 11th consecutive start for United. Even though he made his full league debut against Everton only on November 26, the 18-year-old is considered a potential candidate for a first-time call-up to the England squad. He might be selected for the upcoming international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, scheduled for next month.”Kobbie was very mature and I think he is progressing from game to game. Hopefully, the process will keep going on.”ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUESaturdayBrentford – Liverpool 1-4 (0-2)/Toney 75 – Nunez 35, Mac Allister 55, Salah 68, Gakpo 86/Burnley – Arsenal 0-5 (0-2)/Odegaard 4, Saka 39 pen, 47, Trossard 66, Havertz 78/Fulham – Aston Villa 1-2 (0-1)/Muniz 64 – Watkins 23, 56/Nott.Forest – West Ham 2-0 (1-0)/Awoniyi 45+5, Hudson-Odoi 90+5/Newcastle – Bournemouth 2-2 (0-0)/Ritchie 90+2, Gordon 57 pen – Solanke 51, Semenyo 69/Tottenham – Wolverhampton 1-2 (0-1)/Kulusevski 46 – Gomes 43, 64/Man.City – Chelsea 1-1 (0-1)/Rodri 83 – Sterling 42/SundaySheffield Utd – Brighton 0-5 (0-2)/Buonanotte 10, Welbeck 24, Robinson 75(og), Adingra 78, 85/Luton – Man.Utd. 1-2 (1-2)/Morris 14 – Hojlund 1, 7/Monday23.00: (1.80) Everton (3.60) Crystal Palace (5.10)***odds are subject to change
