Manchester United’s Tuesday night was mostly a disaster as Erik ten Hag’s team lost to Galatasaray, their sixth loss of the year, despite twice having the lead in the game.
United, who are currently last in Group A after losing to Bayern Munich on Matchday One as well, are aware that they must defeat Kobenhavn in their next Champions League doubleheader in order to have any hope of moving on to the knockout stages.
The performance of new striker Rasmus Hojlund was one thing that United supporters could take away from the team’s 3-2 defeat to Galatasaray. In the loss, the youthful number nine scored his first ever brace for the team, with the first goal being made possible by a Rashford assist.
Hojlund spoke to MUTV after the game on how on-field communication between the two has improved performances. This is the second time Rashford has set up Hojlund for a goal; the first was in the loss to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.
“If we try to chat to each other about Marcus, he is aware that I will be there. We got a peek of it today, and he knows I can keep up with him while we’re on the counter,” Hojlund said.
“Getting inside that [box] is the key. If you count the offside, I got the ball three times today, so sure, I was bought to score goals, and I’m glad to get two more today. I always try to get into dangerous areas.
The pair’s conversation during games is crucial, according to Erik ten Hag, who sees it as a positive indicator for their long-term collaboration up top.
“The two can complement one another. But getting to know one another is necessary, and that process has just begun. It has to go hand in hand because we need results at the same time,” Ten Hag said.
“However, we gain knowledge from each and every practice session and game. We naturally reflect unity and naturally take the lead in that as a coaching staff. Rasmus and Rash, who are together and discussing how they may profit from it, have also been seen.
So, the fact that there is conversation and interaction taking place on the field is encouraging. They’ll see the connection, I’m positive. The connection is already there, but they will eventually make it, in my opinion.
