Manchester United: Erik ten Hag defends Rasmus Hojlund amid reports 'players ignore him on pitch'
Erik ten Hag has defended young striker Rasmus Hojlund amid reports the Manchester United squad are unconvinced by his talents.
Manchester Evenings News on Monday claimed some players inside the dressing room are actively avoiding passing to the young striker has they do not have confidence in his abilities.
Hojlund was signed last summer for around £72million and failed to score in his first 14 Premier League games, though did score five in the Champions League group stage.
The 21-year-old is currently on a 10-game barren run, and Ten Hag believes Hojlund has had a good debut season a the club.
"He has had three injuries this season but still, as you say, he scored 14 goals," Ten Hag said on Tuesday. "I think that's a very good record for a young player. When we decided to go for him, we bought a player for this season and for the future.
"He has to develop, he has to progress, he needs time. Sometimes it goes up and down. Before winter he struggled to get his first Premier League goal but he is a very strong character.
"He is very eager for every match, so it can be every match to return his form. I am more confident, he's close."
