'Can become great'

Jun 29, 2023

The 20-year-old was announced as Man United's third major signing of the summer last weekend as Erik ten Hag filled the major gaps in his squad.

Dimitar Berbatov has urged Rasmus Hojlund not to be shy at Manchester United and believes Erik ten Hag can turn the 20-year-old into an elite striker.

Hojlund was paraded around Old Trafford ahead of United's 3-1 friendly win over RC Lens on Saturday, following his £72million move from Atalanta. The Danish international has signed a five-year contract that can be extended for a further 12 months.

He is hoped to inject goals into a squad that managed just 58 in the Premier League last season - the lowest in the top six - but is seen as more of a project than the finished article. Ten Hag will hope to mould the young forward to his needs and Berbatov believes he can reach the next level under his new manager.

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"Hojlund is aggressive, tall, quick, strong, can score with his left or right foot and is positionally intelligent," Berbatov told Betfair. "These are all good characteristics of a good striker who can become great. Hojlund has a lot of time ahead of him.

"The big thing is Erik ten Hag wanted him, he spotted Hojlund and now he'll be in charge of developing and adapting him to the team. The atmosphere and environment at United will teach him what the club stands for. With all his qualities, he can become a great striker at United.

"Hojlund can't be shy from making runs, asking and looking for the ball, when the opportunity is there, he needs to take it. The football in the Premier League is fast and the tackles are strong, but he's surrounded by players who can help him shine.

"He has some great teammates, like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen who can supply from behind. If the manager trusts you, go out there and prove your quality."

Hojlund is the latest of three major signings to come through the door in Manchester, following Mount and Andre Onana respectively. Ten Hag has now filled all three major gaps in his squad and spent move than £160m in the process, and Berbatov insists that the goal should now be to challenge for the Premier League title.

"Onana reminds me of Ederson at Manchester City with the way he controls the ball and the confidence he brings to the defenders," the former Reds striker added. "Sometimes being overly confident can play tricks on yourself and lead to mistakes, like the mistakes we saw against Lens.

"He needs to never underestimate his opponents, but that mistake is something you take on your chin and learn from. Mason Mount is another big signing that adds to the squad. He adds qualities on the ball and in chance creation.

"A title charge is Manchester United's aim this season. Erik ten Hag and everyone knows that. Manchester United need to push Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, they'll all be competing at the top.

"The other trophies will be a part of their ambitions too, but the main priority will be to fight for the Premier League title. The team now looks like they can fight for the title, even if no more signings happen."

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The transfer window will soon close and although United got their hands on three players well in advance of the September 1 deadline, with Rasmus Hojlund joining Mason Mount and Andre Onana at Old Trafford, activity has stalled since Hojlund's announcement.

A goalkeeper, a midfielder and a striker were Erik ten Hag's priorities heading into the summer window, but injuries early on in the season mean United are in need of further reinforcements.

Our team of experts will be on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford for the remainder of the window and beyond, and you can get the latest updates and inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community below.

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