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Manchester United defenders had been but once more taken for a journey by the likes of Erling Haaland and Phil Foden on the Etihad, as Manchester Metropolis accomplished the league double over their neighbours with a 3-1 win over the weekend.
However, bar from Marcus Rashford’s net-bursting strike early within the sport, the Crimson Devils did little to check the resolve of the Metropolis backline.
Rasmus Hojlund, who has been his aspect’s most prolific participant in 2024, travelled to the blue half of Manchester however wasn’t deemed match sufficient to play any half within the conflict.
The guests might’ve carried out together with his tempo and bodily presence. In his absence, Erik ten Hag opted to select solely two phrases and as a substitute populated his midfield with an additional man. For sure, his techniques didn’t work.
The 21-year-old has been coping with a muscle downside and has missed the video games in opposition to Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Metropolis.
United had been unbeaten this 12 months earlier than his harm, however have misplaced two of their final three video games since he obtained sidelined. He had bagged six targets in a row within the Premier League earlier than the unlucky harm.
Andy Cole, one of many biggest strikers within the membership’s historical past, not too long ago shared his ideas on Hojlund, suggesting confidence is the massive purpose behind the kids’ red-hot kind.
“Rather a lot was anticipated of him, when he first got here right here,” the previous Crimson informed membership media. “He was a younger man underneath lots of strain, with an enormous price-tag, in a group that wasn’t creating many probabilities.”
“I feel it’s factor for him as now he’s obtained that confidence. Confidence is a large factor in soccer. He obtained off the mark in opposition to Villa and the targets have continued since then. For me, personally, I simply wish to see him proceed to try this.
“Yeah, there’s going to be a time when he’s not scoring targets, it’s half and parcel of soccer however, as long as he retains doing the proper issues, he’ll be okay.”
The Treble winner, who scored 187 targets within the Premier League, definitely is aware of a factor or two about burying the ball into the again of the online.
Accordingly, the previous Atalanta ahead can be smart to observe Cole’s recommendation: maintain his head excessive and proceed doing what he has been doing in the previous couple of months.
