Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund has bemoaned Manchester United’s training schedule after his match-winning brace against Viktoria Plzen.
The Danish forward climbed off the bench in Czechia to score twice - his fourth and fifth goals under new boss Ruben Amorim. The win also sees the Red Devils move towards qualification for the next round of the Europa League.
Despite it being a good night all round for Hojlund and his Man United teammates, the forward was still not totally happy. He claimed that there was still improvement to be made - something that is difficult for the Red Devils given their packed schedule.
Speaking to MUTV after the full-time whistle, he said: "We still need more time. It's still very early days. It's about getting our routines together and its getting there.
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“But it still needs practice and time. I know it sounds odd, but we don't get enough time on the training ground, so we have to train it during the matches. But it's getting better and better."
And while Hojlund has bemoaned the time - or lack thereof - that the side spend on the training pitches, it is a complaint that his boss Amorim is likely to agree with. He has urged his side to seal automatic qualification for the next round of the Europa League so their schedule eases.
The Portuguese coach said: “We are improving in some details. We control really well the transitions and we are aggressive when we lose the ball.
"We need time to work on the possession, this team needs to spend a lot of time near the opponent’s goal and not just in transition. So we are trying to work on that but it’s good to win, to prepare the next game. It’s really important for us.”
Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund celebrates after scoring against Viktoria Plzen
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He added: “We know that we need to win one game and they fought until the end. That was important. I think we deserved the win.
“We didn’t play very well but we fought and we managed not to give up. That was a key point for me and we are in a good place in the table. It’s really important we take those two [potential play-off] games from our schedule, to find time to work.”
Away from his complaints, Hojlund was involved in a tense face off with teammate Amad after he wasted the chance to tee him up for a hat-trick. The pair were pictured in an angry discussion after the final whistle.
But Amorim is far from concerned and calmed fears of a long-term issue. Hojlund will be aiming to extend his positive form this weekend against Manchester City.
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