Man United boss Ten Hag backs Højlund to end scoring drought،
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has backed Rasmus Højlund to break his Premier League goalscoring duck amid the team's struggles in front of goal.
Højlund was signed this summer for a fee of £64 million ($82 million) by Atalanta after scoring 16 goals last season.
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Although the 20-year-old was United's top scorer in the Champions League group stage with five goals, he has not found the net in 13 Premier League appearances.
“We're open, he's open. His mentality is great. I think he's a very good player under stress and he handles that,” Ten Hag said in his press conference ahead of Saturday's trip to West Ham United.
“But it's not just about Rasmus Højlund, it's about Marcus Rashford, it's also about [Alejandro]Garnacho is also Antony, it is also Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay.
“Don't forget our full-backs, who must play a big role in this. I'm sure we will improve, especially if our squad is at full strength. If it is better balanced, we should create more chances.”
United have failed to score in their last three games, losing to Bournemouth and Bayern Munich before a goalless draw at Liverpool.
“We know we need to improve, we played well in those games, but we should have created more chances and we should have been more clinical,” Ten Hag said.
“It's not about one player, it's about our group. As you know, in my philosophy we have to attack with 11. [players].
“We need to improve movement, decision-making with the ball and sometimes also be more clinical.”
Ten Hag still faces injuries and illness as seventh-placed United look to climb the table.
We have a few doubts, a few illnesses during the week, so we have to see who is available for tomorrow. I hope they will be recovered, but we have to see,” he said.
“Casemiro and Lisandro Martínez are not available before Christmas, so we expect them in mid-January.
“Mason Mount is similar, in January. Harry Maguire, I expect him earlier and Victor Lindelöf is not available. He has had surgery, so he will be out for a few weeks.”
