Erik ten Hag has tricky Rasmus Hojlund decision for Manchester United

There were loud boos the first time Rasmus Hojlund was taken off during a Premier League match earlier this season. There were few complaints from Manchester United fans when the same replacement was made at the weekend.

United were already two goals down at home to Brighton when the unpopular decision to bring on Anthony Martial instead was made a month ago, while they were level at Bramall Lane when they needed extra firepower on Saturday night.

In both instances, they needed to freshen things up in attack. In both instances, Erik ten Hag opted for the much-maligned Martial to try and spark his side into life.

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It is important not to expect too much of Hojlund during his first season in English football, but at the same time, he won’t be afforded a free pass throughout it just because of his age.

United took a gamble when they spent £64million on his signature in the summer, and while there has been plenty of promise with his clear potential, there will come a time when more is expected from him on the pitch.

The perception of Hojlund would be even better had his first three goals for the club not all come in Champions League defeats, and there will be eyes on him as he looks to grab a first-league goal against Man City on Sunday afternoon. Hojlund played every available second of the three subsequent matches after Ten Hag was booed for replacing him against Brentford, but it was telling that the manager felt it was right to replace him again at the weekend.

It is clear that the Danish international is very much the manager’s man and will be the first-choice for much