Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, may be considering a fresh partner for Rasmus Hojlund as his team faces FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.
Rasmus Hojlund’s emergence as a key figure for Manchester United has raised intriguing questions about the composition of the club’s attack. Hojlund, a reliable presence in the team, is set to feature in the upcoming Champions League match against FC Copenhagen. However, with Marcus Rashford’s recent goal drought – spanning eight games – the possibility of a new partnership has come under discussion.
Rashford, who enjoyed a stellar 2022/23 season with 30 goals, has struggled to replicate that form, finding the net only once this season. This goal-scoring deficiency has significantly contributed to Manchester United’s underwhelming offensive performance, with the team winning by more than a single goal in just one of their first 12 games.
On the other hand, Hojlund has already notched up three goals in the Champions League, albeit in defeats against Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.
In a recent press conference, Erik ten Hag hinted at a potential partnership between Hojlund and Anthony Martial, suggesting that Martial’s versatility as a winger could complement the 20-year-old Danish striker.
Ten Hag elaborated, “They can play together because Anthony Martial is also available to play from the side.”
Despite Rashford’s dry spell, Ten Hag expressed his faith in the England international’s ability to rediscover his scoring touch. He believes that, as the newly restructured attack continues to evolve, Rashford will contribute more goals, much like Hojlund.
Ten Hag stated, “First of all, we have to work on our routines. He missed pre-season and the first four games, but I think from the moment he came in, he gave the team a lot. We’re building the routines, and that split moment will give him more time to make better decisions for more goals. But the goals against Galatasaray were two brilliant goals – as well as the one in Munich. I think he’s a player who will always be in scoring positions in our team. I’m sure, I’m confident [he’ll score goals] and Marcus Rashford the same.”
While Hojlund’s European scoring exploits have been noteworthy, Manchester United is in a precarious position in Group A, having lost both of their opening games. Their recent surprise 3-2 defeat to Galatasaray at home has made the Champions League campaign a challenging one. As they prepare to face FC Copenhagen, Ten Hag’s tactical decisions become even more critical in their quest for success. The question now is whether a new partnership can reignite United’s offensive prowess.