Hojlund will score more league goals, Ten Hag says

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expects Rasmus Hojlund to keep on improving after the £72 million signing finally scored his first Premier League goal to seal a stunning 3-2 comeback win over Aston Villa.

United looked destined for a 14th defeat of the season in all competitions on Tuesday after Villa scored twice in the space of six first-half minutes through John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker. United fans made their displeasure clear as boos rang around Old Trafford at the break.

It was tense moment for the team. Just two days earlier, British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe had struck a deal to take a minority stake at the club.

Ineos director of sport Dave Brailsford, who has been named a director of United after the Ratcliffe deal, was watching on from the stands at Old Trafford.

After the break, United rallied with Alejandro Garnacho scoring twice before Hojlund won it in the 82nd minute.

Although Hojlund, the summer signing from Atalanta, finished as United’s top-scorer in their short-lived Champions League campaign, he failed to find the net in 16 matches in domestic competition. He made no mistake when McGinn flicked the ball into his path eight minutes from time.

“Of course I’ve had several talks with him and every time I’ve pointed out he has scored for Denmark a lot, he has scored in the Champions League, he has demonstrated his ability so you can do it, believe,” Ten Hag said.

“I’m sure now he has the first goal he will score more. When a striker doesn’t score it’s a problem but he has a strong character, he is so solid, determined. He has a big personality. I think this is what a striker needs. When you keep investing, the goals will come.”

Ten Hag said he is keen to start working with new management. “We are looking forward, I think it’s positive for the club that they are in the stepping in,” he said.