Ten Hag explains Hojlund signing

The 20-year-old from Denmark was unveiled to the fans at Old Trafford ahead of our 3-1 friendly win over RC Lens, having made the switch from Atalanta.

While it was exciting to see the striker paraded on the pitch, it may be a few weeks before he is seen in action there, due to a small issue he sustained during pre-season training with his former club.

Rasmus's recovery is progressing well and we'll look forward to his debut in due course, when he could feature in attack alongside the likes of Antony and Marcus Rashford, both of whom scored against Lens.

Speaking to us about our new acquisition, the boss explained the role he is likely to play when he eventually takes to the field for the Reds

“He is really a front man, very direct to the goal," the boss said. "A very good presser, a physical presence and I think in the balance of this squad we needed that.

“Alongside Rashford, [he is] another player who is direct and can score goals and that is all in his mind – he wants to score goals.”

Having signed a contract with United running until June 2028, with the option of a further year, there is plenty of scope for Rasmus to develop even further, something Ten Hag is relishing.

“I think he has such a huge potential and now it is up first to him to explore that and we will support him – all the coaches,” he said.

“l’m sure the whole team was waiting for a type like him and they will integrate and in the dressing room or on the pitch they will help him.

“But as I said, finally the player – he has to prove it.”

Pointing to how the youngster can get the best out of himself and the team because of a strong desire to succeed, Ten Hag added: "That is the characters we need: we need hungry players and he is a player who is so determined to score goals and win games and win trophies."

Hojlund’s direct approach on the field is also something the boss hopes will support United’s quality midfield players, who will look to link up with him by getting the ball into spaces behind defences.

"That is our idea," the boss said. "But now we have to transfer that to the pitch."

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