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Man Utd chief John Murtough 'in contact' with overseas CEO about Rasmus Hojlund
Manchester United are beginning to see the best of Rasmus Hojlund following his summer move from Atalanta.
Manchester United director of football John Murtough is reportedly still in contact with Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi after pinching Rasmus Hojlund from the Italian outfit during the summer. The message from La Dea is loud and clear, with Hojlund starting to find his feet in the Premier League after making a slow start.
Bagging the opener against Aston Villa on Sunday marked the fifth consecutive game in which Hojlund has scored. The Dane's best form had been reserved for the Champions League before his domestic scoring spree began on Boxing Day.
Just as concerns were starting to creep in about whether United had spent their £72million wisely, Hojlund is now justifying his hefty price tag. And having just turned 21, manager Erik ten Hag will be hopeful that his No. 11 can get even better.
Perhaps that's why, according to The Athletic, Atalanta chief Percassi routinely tells Murtough that the Red Devils got themselves a bargain back in August, despite eyebrows being raised at the size of the fee when the deal went through.
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Hojlund's run of scoring form comes at a perfect time for Ten Hag, whose side have struggled in front of goal this season. Marcus Rashford has only managed five in the Premier League after notching 30 across all competitions last campaign.
Scott McTominay is the Red Devils' top-scorer in the league with seven goals, despite only starting half of their 24 matches. Hojlund will naturally be keen to knock the midfielder off his perch by continuing his rich vein of form.
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Ten Hag seemingly foresaw Hojlund's purple patch after watching the youngster break his Premier League duck in December, saying: "I have had several talks with him. I pointed out that you scored for Denmark a lot, you scored in the Champions League, you have demonstrated the ability, so you can do it.
"Believe in it and it will come. I am sure now the first goal is in, he will get more. Of course, when strikers don't score that is always a problem but he has a strong character and is always so determined. He has a big personality and that is what a striker needs. And when you keep investing, the goals will come."
Man Utd blow top four race open — but work to do | Football Digest
After a turbulent start to the season, United are beginning to find their rhythm as a collective, and they carry a run of four consecutive wins into Sunday's meeting with Luton Town.
Having almost been out of the picture completely, Ten Hag now has an outside chance of qualifying for next season's Champions League. Victory at Villa Park last time out left United sixth in the table and six points behind fourth-placed Tottenham.