Hojlund and Ten Hag

-

 


United's 2023/24 league season ended with a trip to the seaside and a 2-0 victory over Brighton. The hosts waved goodbye to their manager, while United fans sang of a trip to Wembley and being part of Erik Ten Hag's red and white army. 

Match going supporters have thrown their support behind Ten Hag, recognizing the incredible challenges he has faced on and off the field over the last year; the ownership, Greenwood, Antony, Sancho, Rashford and the sheer volume of injuries. 

They've also recognized how Ten Hag has developed players like Dalot and brought on youngsters like Garnacho and Mainoo. 

Erik has also invested in youth, most notably our 21-year-old Danish centre forward, Rasmus Hojlund. 

Hojlund signed for United last summer and spoke passionately about his support of United after falling in love with the club as a young boy. The Dane was carrying an injury and it wasn't until 3rd September when he made his debut, coming on as a sub in a 3-1 away defeat to Arsenal.

Rasmus Hojlund as a kid

Rasmus scored his first goal in a 4-3 away defeat to Bayern, netting a further two beauties at home to Galatassaray. Frustratingly, it took until Boxing Day for Hojlund to score his first goal in the Premier League for United. Oh how he celebrated! Every United supporters across the world felt his joy and passion for the shirt.

After another minor injury, Hojlund returned to the team and to form in February as he scored regularly to win the Premier League player of the month award.

And then another injury!

Hojlund returned to the team (after all, there was no-one else to play at centre forward) but arguably he wasn't fully fit. Both player and team have struggled since that run of victories in February.

But now, Hojlund has been granted a little rest. Ten Hag started him on the bench against Newcastle and when he was brought on, Hojlund displayed pace, power and drive to score an excellent goal.

He then did the same against Brighton at the weekend. He looks recharged, revitalized and ready for Wembley. 

Excellent management from Ten Hag and a first class response by Hojlund.

Two weeks ago I was dreading the Cup Final. Now, I have hope and Hojlund is central to that.






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

So much has changed, so much remains the same

-
Image
MUFC Monday Morning Musings -Matchday 3 Manchester United 0 v 3 Liverpool, Sunday 1st September 2024 3-points from 9, a heavy and demoralising defeat by Liverpool, a negative goal difference, a creaking Casemiro … so much has changed, so much remains the same. A transfer window that has seen United bolster their defence with the signings of Yoro, de Ligt and Mazraoui, strengthen midfield with Ugarte and gain much needed depth in the centre forward position left supporters feeling pretty positive going into the season. Varane, Wan Bissaka, van de Beek, Greenwood, Martial, Pellistri and Meijbri were all sold or let go when their contracts finished. I was sad to see McTominay go. While he would have been unlikely to be first choice, given the number of games, he would still have got plenty of game time. Ultimately, Napoli is a fantastic move for him and I wish him well. This team, this squad, is now very much Erik ten Hag’s, he needs to get a tune out of them … fast. Winning cups is one t...
Read more

Brighton blues - Saturday 24th August 2024

-
Image
MUFC Monday Morning Musings - Matchday 2 Brighton 2 v 1 United  United players and fans were left scratching their heads on Saturday afternoon? How did United lose all 3-points from that game? United played well in the first half, passing, moving and creating chances, but yet again, we failed to take them. We could, and should, have scored 2 or 3. Perhaps the most notable opportunity was a Diallo chance following excellent wing play from Dalot on the left. Diallo played well, but opted to use his stronger left foot, when he either needed to put his right foot through it, or go in with a diving header. Regardless, he should have at least hit the target. Somehow, despite United's dominance, Brighton went into the half-time break a goal up. Mason Mount came off injured to be replaced by Zirkzee, but it was Brighton who looked galvanized following the break. Yet Diallo, courtesy of a deflection, equalised. There were chances at both ends in an open game. Both teams pushed for a winner,...
Read more

Palace away September 21st 2024

-
Image
MUFC Monday musings - matchday 5 Missed opportunity - Saturday felt like 2 points dropped. United had 6 shots on target, hitting the woodwork a couple of times and having the kind of chances that should have put the game out of sight. Clean sheet - A third clean sheet in a row felt like progress though. Onana made a remarkable double save to ensure this happened. De Ligt continues to look like a bargain signing. Rotation - Dropping an in form and notably buzzing Marcus Rashford after 3 goals in 2 games did feel like a strange decision. United are playing 2 games a week and will need to rotate. Ten Hag is fortunate to have Diallo, Garnacho and Rashford in form, but having been guilty of playing Marcus when he wasn't in good form, he now benched him when he was flying. Strange one. Goals - After 10 goals in 2-games, albeit against Southampton (3rd bottom) and Barnsley in the League Cup, it was back to 'normal' (never a word to be associated with United!) on Saturday. United...
Read more