Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has insisted that one of his players has put up strong numbers this season, despite the criticism levelled against him.
Erik ten Hag has only three matches remaining across all competitions this season before Manchester United’s turbulent campaign comes to an end.
The former Ajax boss was widely praised for his debut season at United after he led the Red Devils to the Carabao Cup trophy and finished third in the league table.
However, Erik ten Hag has come under criticism in the current campaign over United’s up-and-down season, with the Red Devils missing out on top four.
The under-fire Dutchman watched as United finished bottom of Group A in the Champions League and failed in their Carabao Cup title defence.
Ten Hag still has the opportunity to salvage United’s season if the Red Devils can defy the odds and beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final on 25th May.
Ten Hag defends Man Utd star’s record
Manchester United return to Premier League action on Wednesday evening against Newcastle at Old Trafford after their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Erik ten Hag made his feelings perfectly clear on Rasmus Hojlund’s first season at Old Trafford.
Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund arrived at United last summer after he was signed from Serie A side Atalanta in a deal worth £72m.
The 21-year-old United star has enjoyed both the highs and lows this season, including failing to find the back of the net in his first 14 Premier League matches.
Hojlund has managed to score eight times in 28 Premier League appearances, along with finding the back of the net five times in six Champions League matches.
However, the Danish forward has endured a tough run since his return from injury, with Hojlund scoring only once in his last eight league matches.
“He [Hojlund] has had three injuries this season but still, as you say, he scored 14 goals this season,” Ten Hag said, as per the Manchester Evening News.
“I think that’s a very good record for a young player. Also, when we decided to go for him we talked about earlier that we buy a player, of course, for this season and also for the future.
“He has to develop, he has to progress, he needs time and sometimes it goes up and down.”
Ten Hag sends message to Man Utd fans
United fans have watched the Red Devils fail to deliver with consistency this season, with Ten Hag’s side suffering two consecutive defeats in their recent outings.
Ten Hag’s men were thumped 4-0 by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last week before Premier League leaders Arsenal took all three points at Old Trafford.
The United boss thanked fans for their support during the tough period at the club and for the backing that the Red Devils received in their defeat to Crystal Palace.
“What they did in the last games. At Palace, they were so magnificent, they were brilliant,” Ten Hag said.
“You say the mood is low, maybe the expectations are lower but I don’t want to say the mood, the vibe they create is lower, they back the team at Palace and last Sunday.”
