‘He hasn’t shown it lately this his opportunity to step up with Rasmus Højlund absence’: Man UTD manager Erig Ten Hag names which United player ‘has to prove a point’ in Hojlund’s absence
Erik ten Hag expects all of his forwards to stand up in Rasmus Hojlund’s absence.
The Manchester United teenager has suffered a serious injury in the midst of his phenomenal goal-scoring streak – seven in six league matches – and will now be sidelined for two to three weeks.
His contributions have virtually single-handedly opened up the chance of the Reds finishing in the top four, which was completely out of the question over the Christmas period when they were defeated 3-0 by Bournemouth, 2-0 by West Ham United, and 2-1 by Nottingham Forest.
As a result, Ten Hag will have to rely on senior attackers Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, and Antony to fill the void, though Laurie Whitwell has suggested that 19-year-old Omari Forson could edge out his older counterparts for a starting spot against Fulham tomorrow afternoon, which would be his first in the Premier League.
Antony is one player who has underperformed this season, with no goals or assists in 19 games.
Ten Hag demands more of Antony.
Ten Hag told reporters today that he can rely on his £86 million signing to provide results in the next games.
“He needs to prove his argument, which he will accomplish. And he has great potential. He hasn’t exhibited it in a while, but I know what his talent is, and it’s all about demonstrating it to himself. And, yes, he will probably get his opportunity. But, certainly, I believe that was always the intention.
“You have competition, and now he has to prove himself on the training pitch, as well as others, since we have opportunity there. With [Amad] Diallo back from an injury, he is performing well in training. Omari Forson is doing fine. So, we have possibilities for filling those roles. So Marcus Rashford is not obligated to play as a centre forward.”
