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Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag makes Rasmus Hojlund demand as three reasons given for transfer
Rasmus Hojlund was announced as Manchester United's new signing on Saturday.
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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed the reasons why he pushed for his side to sign Rasmus Hojlund this summer. The striker was unveiled as the Red Devils’ new signing at Old Trafford on Saturday ahead of their pre-season friendly against Lens.
Ten Hag made it his mission to acquire the services of a marquee striker this summer, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Tottenham’s Harry Kane both touted as options that were weighed up. However, United soon settled on Hojlund following his impressive campaign with Atalanta, showing plenty of promise and catching the eye of numerous clubs.
The Red Devils have secured the services of the Denmark international in a deal worth £72m, with supporters catching a glimpse of the striker prior to their 3-1 win over Lens. Ten Hag’s side have played a free-flowing, versatile attack over the summer, with players rotating in and out of the No 9 role.
However, the arrival of Hojlund will certainly reshape the United attack, with Ten Hag citing his strength and power as the attributes he was looking for when scouring the market. He told MUTV: “He is a real front man. Very direct to the goal, very good presser, a physical presence. I think in the balance of this squad, we needed that, alongside (Marcus) Rashford, another player who is direct and can score a goal. That is all in his mind: he wants to score goals.
"I think he has huge potential. And now it's up to him first, to explore that and we will support him, all the coaches, the team, the team was waiting for a type like him. They will integrate him in the dressing room and in the pitch, they will help him.”
Ten Hag then revealed that it was the mentality of Hojlund that was also a key factor in opting to green-light his pursuit, but also urged the ex-Sturm Graz star to ‘prove’ that he has what it takes to develop into a top-quality player.
He continued: “Finally, the player has to prove it. That is the character we need; we need hungry players and he is a player who is so determined to score goals, win games and win trophies."
With versatile options like Rashford and Jadon Sancho both proving in pre-season that they can be deployed through the middle, it remains to be seen whether United bring in an alternative option to Hojlund or are content with heading into the 2023/24 campaign with one natural striker.