Rasmus Hojlund hopes to cement his legacy with Manchester United. But the striker is using his platform to advocate for another Manchester United teammate. He is using some of his focus and energy on something other than goal-scoring. Instead, he hopes to see one of his teammates join him on the pitch more often. While Hojlund is the clear first choice at the number nine, he is using his voice to vouch for a more senior member of the squad.
Will Coach Ten Hag hear his words?
A Class Player Deserving More Time
The striker continues to push for his friend both on and off the pitch. He labeled Eriksen as a “class player” and expressed his belief that the midfielder needs to contribute more often to help his team. Hojlund acknowledged the difficulties of being a squad player, having experienced it himself during his time at Copenhagen, but he commended Eriksen’s professionalism and positive attitude despite the challenging circumstances.
“He holds his head high, and he is a class player. There is absolutely no doubt about that,” Hojlund stated. “There is no concern at all from me about it. Of course, you want to play football. And I’m sure he does too. [But] he trains well and is still very positive and very helpful, so it’s not a big deal. He is a real professional.”
A Timely Cameo Against Liverpool
Hojlund was happy to see Eriksen make a late appearance in Manchester United’s dramatic 3-1 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals. But he hopes that this will be more frequent moving forward. The Danish midfielder impressed during his brief time on the pitch, and Hojlund believes his performance demonstrated why he should be given more chances.
“It was good he got some minutes against Liverpool. I think he did really well when he came on,” Hojlund said.
Eriksen’s Frustration and Ten Hag’s Response
Eriksen’s lack of playing time has not gone unnoticed, and the midfielder recently expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation. In an interview with Tipsbladet, Eriksen admitted to being “unhappy” with his reduced role but emphasized his commitment to the team and his willingness to respect the manager’s decisions.
“I have had a conversation with Erik about being unhappy with the situation and wanting to play as much as possible,” Eriksen revealed. “But I am available and need to be available for the team, which I am and always will be.”
Ten Hag, for his part, acknowledged the competition for places within the squad, citing the impressive performances of young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and the overall strength of the midfield unit as factors contributing to Eriksen’s limited opportunities.
The Importance of Squad Depth
While Hojlund is advocating for Eriksen to receive more playing time, he also recognizes the significance of squad depth at a top club like Manchester United. With multiple competitions and high-stakes matches, having a deep pool of talented players is crucial for navigating the demanding schedule and maintaining a competitive edge.
“He is a good player, so you would like to see him on the field, but we have many good players. So it must be the coach’s decision whether he plays or not,” Hojlund acknowledged.
The Road Ahead
As Manchester United prepares for the final stretch of the season, with a battle for Champions League qualification and an FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City on the horizon, the debate over Eriksen’s playing time is likely to continue. Ten Hag will face tough decisions regarding squad selection and rotation, but Hojlund’s public backing of his experienced teammate adds weight to the argument for giving Eriksen more opportunities to contribute on the pitch.
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