Since Boxing Day, Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United has been in incredible form
Rasmus Hojlund’s Manchester United hot streak has propelled the club to four successive wins across all competitions. Under Erik ten Hag, the 21-year-old striker got off to a rough start but has since settled in nicely. Reportedly, he had advice from Red Devils veteran Robin van Persie, which seems to have spurred him on.
After playing for United from 2012 to 2015, Van Persie returned to the team last week to watch training in order to fulfil the requirements for his UEFA Pro Licence. It is said that the Dutch striker, who was once one of the most feared players in the Premier League, gave Hojlund some advice.
Van Persie and United’s No. 11 had a “long conversation” at Carrington prior to this weekend’s victory over Aston Villa, according to The Athletic. As predicted, Hojlund scored in a thrilling 2-1 victory for United, marking his fifth straight game with a goal.
Van Persie’s desire to spend time at the training facility was personally authorised by Ten Hag, who hopes Hojlund will continue to seek his counsel.
When United made his presence at Carrington known last week, Van Persie—who scored 144 Premier League goals during stints with Arsenal and the Red Devils—was referred to as a “firm friend of the club.” Ten Hag is not new to enlisting seasoned Premier League shooters to support his offensive line.
Shortly after taking over at Old Trafford, the former Ajax manager brought former Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy on board. Furthermore, the South African was acknowledged for having orchestrated Marcus Rashford’s season-long 30-goal total.
Hojlund still has a ways to go before he threatens that mark, but his current scoring surge has brought him to 11 goals overall and five in the Premier League. After earning his UEFA Pro Licence, it’s unclear if Van Persie will return to Old Trafford as a professional coach.
At the moment, the forty-year-old assists Feyenoord’s senior squad and serves as co-head coach for the younger squad. When his team was struggling up top earlier in the season, Ten Hag might have gotten away with asking for assistance in training.
Before United’s performance improved, Dwight Yorke, a legend of the team, was one of those who questioned McCarthy and company. “[Hojlund] is making basic mistakes in his work. However, he is alone there,” he said to AceOdds.
“I’m not sure what the striker’s coach, Benni McCarthy, is doing to assist him develop those movements and how to sidestep opponents instead of going straight after them. The small things are what will make a big difference for him.”