Rasmus Hojlund was unveiled as an official Manchester United player on Saturday afternoon.
The young Denmark international was paraded in front of a packed Old Trafford crowd just minutes before kick-off against RC Lens in today’s penultimate pre-season friendly.
And although the former Atalanta man, who signed last week in a deal worth £72 million (Sky Sports), was not eligible to play for his new team today, he was treated to a winning result.
Despite falling behind in the match’s first half following an incredible long-range chipped effort from Lens’ Florian Sotoca, the Red Devils completed a well-deserved comeback in the game’s second half.
Marcus Rashford, who was named as Erik Ten Hag’s main starting attacker, equalised just three minutes after the break with Antony and Casemiro netting the side’s second and third. A worthy mention must also go to winger Alejandro Garnacho, who enjoyed an excellent game and is rightfully many fans’ pick to claim the ‘Man of the Match’ award (ManUtd).
However, although Saturday’s result saw United come away with three goals, Ten Hag is adamant his team need a different type of goalscoring forward to help galvanise his style of play.
Speaking to MUTV after Saturday’s game at Old Trafford about United’s decision to pursue Hojlund, Ten Hag, said: “He is a real frontman.
“Very direct through the goal. Very good presser. Physical presence. In the balance of this squad, we needed that.”
United will now fly to Dublin to play Athletic Club on Sunday; a match Ten Hag is expected to rotate for, and while Hojlund won’t feature in that one either, the 20-year-old, should he overcome a ‘small issue’ in time, could be set to make his club debut at home against Wolves in the Premier League on 14 August.
Congratulations to young man and welcome to man united
We wait and see