Ten Hag's Man Utd fate rests on €74m Hojlund

Tom Weber

• Updated: 24 Sept 2024 09:44 BST
• 4 min read

The patience of Manchester United's club chiefs with Erik ten Hag is 'wearing thin' due to his inability to build a balanced team, according to a report.

The Red Devils boasted one of the worst defences in the Premier League last season, conceding an unprecedented amount of shots and finishing on a negative goal difference for the first time in 34 years.

The signings of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui and the return to full fitness of Lisandro Martinez have helped Erik ten Hag stabilise his backline, while the likes of Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte will also surely aid in that endeavour once they are capable of starting regularly.

READ MORE: Ten Hag faces Man Utd inquest over Rashford

However, while Man Utd's defence has evidently improved, the attack is now causing headaches at Old Trafford. Marcus Rashford has hit a mini run of form, but he was dropped for the Red Devils' weekend fixture against Crystal Palace, which ultimately ended in a 0-0 draw.

New signing Joshua Zirkzee has done exactly what he did at Bologna last season; he has linked up well with his teammates but regular goals have been found wanting. Amad Diallo has impressed but finishing has been an issue, while Alejandro Garnacho has yet to return to form after a long summer.

Hojlund can save Ten Hag

According to GIVEMESPORT, the patience of Man Utd's bosses is 'running thin.' It is claimed that they believe Ten Hag should be capable of fielding a team that is both solid defensively and capable of scoring after two years in the job and a host of high-profile transfers.

In fact, it is asserted that the Dutchman's fate will to an extent hinge on Rasmus Hojlund, who has returned to full fitness. The €74 million striker had an encouraging debut season at Old Trafford but will need to start scoring regularly to not only justify his price tag but to also ensure Ten Hag's survival.

There is confidence at Man Utd that he will be able to achieve this. Hojlund believes that the arrival of Ruud van Nistelrooy will greatly aid his development, while the player is also delighted that Christian Eriksen, who has been reinvigorated this term, remained at the club in the summer.

READ MORE: Mount in trouble as Man Utd target Fernandes replacement

Compared to Zirkzee's performance, Hojlund's cameo against Palace at the weekend was far from encouraging, but it would be unfair to judge the 21-year-old for his first 14 minutes of football after injury.

That said, he will be under massive pressure to perform given Man Utd's desperate need for a clinical finisher. The future of his coach could rest on his young shoulders.