Erik ten Hag was sacked at the end of October following a miserable start to the season at Manchester United, but things haven't improved since Ruben Amorim took over
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Updated 09:51, 19 Mar 2025
Rasmus Hojlund of Man United
Rasmus Hojlund has spoken about Manchester United's managerial change
(Image: Getty Images)
Erik ten Hag was “doing something good” at Manchester United before he was unceremoniously sacked, according to Rasmus Hojlund. Ten Hag was sacked at the end of October, just months after signing a new contract with United, who then moved to bring in Ruben Amorim as his replacement.
The Dutchman was dismissed after a miserable start to the 2024/25 season, which followed on from United’s worst-ever Premier League finish in the previous campaign. Amorim was initially reluctant to leave Sporting Lisbon and take over United mid-season, but was ultimately persuaded to jump ship and take on the challenge.
United have continued to struggle under the Portuguese, with the club 13th in the Premier League and yet to find consistency in the new playing style. Hojlund has embodied the team’s difficulties, having gone 21 games without scoring before netting in the 3-0 win over Leicester on Sunday.
The 22-year-old has continued to work hard on his game as he tries to adapt to Amorim’s demands, but he has also hinted at frustration in the way Ten Hag was ditched while speaking on international duty with Denmark.
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“I’m focused on the task with Ruben, because that project is incredibly exciting, but Erik was of course one of the reasons why I moved to Manchester United,” he told the press, as reported by Danish newspaper Tipsbladet.
“He was doing something good and was a talented coach, but it didn’t work out, and that’s how it is. I’m still very happy to be at Manchester United. It’s the club I’ve always dreamed of playing for. And I’m really happy for Ruben – he’s a cool character and a cool person."
Hojlund joined United in a £72million transfer from Atalanta in August 2023 and has 24 goals in 82 games altogether for the club. The pressures of his role has seen him reach out to former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel for mentorship, with a clip of the two Danes chatting after the draw against Arsenal earlier this month going viral.
Erik ten Hag Manager / Head Coach of Manchester United with Rasmus Hojlund
Erik ten Hag Manager brought Rasmus Hojlund to the club
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“Peter helps me occasionally and listens to how I'm feeling – both when things are going well and when things are going badly,” Hojlund explained. “I wouldn't call him a father figure, but he helps a lot because he's been through it before. He knows what it means to play for Manchester United as a Dane. It's nice to have someone to spar with on that front.”
There is a Danish contingent at United currently, with Hojlund playing alongside veteran midfielder Christian Eriksen and new arrivals Patrick Dorgu and Chido Obi.
“It's also a bit about finding your own path,” he said. “Christian also helps me and the others, but if there are people who come and want a little help, I'm available, both for everyone here and Patrick and Chido.”
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