Man Utd news: Mitchell van der Gaag shares belief in Rasmus Hojlund

Former Manchester United assistant manager Mitchell van der Gaag says “mentally strong” Rasmus Hojlund can still come good at Old Trafford.

Hojlund, 22, scored only his fourth Premier League goal of the season when equalising late on at Bournemouth on Sunday.

However, his lack of output has led United to add both Wolves striker Matheus Cunha and Ipswich’s Liam Delap to their summer shortlist.

Asked how likely it is Hojlund will succeed at Old Trafford, Van der Gaag told BBC Sport: “Yes, of course there’s hope. Why? Because he’s only 22.

“People are very quick to say: ‘Oh, he’s not good enough because he’s not scoring, because blah blah’! But it is age, pressure of comparisons to strikers of the past and it’s a price tag – everything together.”

The Denmark striker has struggled for consistent goals since arriving in Manchester for £72 million in August 2023. Alongside boss Erik ten Hag, Van der Gaag saw first hand how Hojlund tried to adapt.

“His first year at United was not the easiest one, but he scored goals, and I think in the end it was very positive,” he said. “But young players need a strong core of experience players to help them out.

“If you look at Rasmus, Kobbie (Mainoo) and Alejandro (Garnacho), they are still young players but United is associated with a high level of excellence and people expect more from them.

When I was at United, we had Benny McCarthy coaching the strikers and he played an important role with Rasmus. We saw his work rate, his technical qualities, [the fact] he is a good learner and thought he had everything.

“He is also mentally strong. I am not just trying to defend him – I really think in the end he will be OK.”