Erik ten Hag sends message to Rasmus Hojlund amid Manchester United struggles

Erik ten Hag insists Rasmus Hojlund must set high targets and work every game to achieve them as the striker looks to kickstart his Manchester United career.

Hojlund's first few months at United have been up and down, with the 20-year-old's successful Champions League exploits tainted by issues domestically. The 20-year-old is yet to score in the Premier League and this afternoon's trip to West Ham will be his 14th appearance in the competition.

The Denmark national team have seen the better side of Hojlund and he was named Danish Talent of the Year at the beginning of the week. The striker will hope to bring his international form into club football in 2024 and Ten Hag has urged him to keep working hard in search of success.

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''I think any game is big for every player," Ten Hag said to MUTV when asked about Hojlund. "But when you are at that young you have to get that experience.

"It was a great [year] so far for Rasmus Hojlund, for his transfer, for his goals for Denmark, his goals in the Champions League. But now you see he has new challenges and he is so eager.

"He is a fantastic professional and he has set his targets very high. He has to work in every game to aim for his targets to get those results."

Hojlund arguably had the best chance of the game in last weekend's 0-0 draw at Liverpool, but his effort was that of a striker low on confidence. United were resilient in taking a point from Anfield and will hope for three more before Christmas.

United were beaten on their last trip to the London Stadium in May and David Moyes' side will provide a very different challenge. The Hammers will be