Dimitar Berbatov has urged Manchester United star Rasmus Hojlund to get ‘angry’ ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash against Fenerbahce.
Hojlund has produced a total of 18 goals across 49 appearances to date since he joined United from Atalanta in a deal worth £72m in the summer of 2023.
The Denmark international has also suffered a number of injury issues since his switch to Old Trafford, with fans keen to see him kick on and go up a level.
In order for Hojlund to become an elite-level striker, former United star Berbatov says the 21-year-old needs to adjust his mindset and become more aggressive.
‘I think as a striker he needs to be more demanding and arguing,’ Berbatov said on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel.
‘Not being so nice and just pushing the buttons of some of the players around him.
‘Like give me the ball, asking for the ball, when the ball is not coming because I can see that he was doing some runs behind the defence and then nobody was seeing him.
‘That should make you angry, you have a point to be angry after this one.’
United boss Erik ten Hag, meanwhile, feels Hojlund needs to focus on maintaining his fitness and avoid injury problems going forward.
‘He will always score,’ Ten Hag said at the Football Writers’ Association Northern Managers’ Awards on Sunday.
‘What is important is he is keeping fit. He picked up so many injuries in the first season and when he stays fit, he will score goals because that is proved in his stats.’
Hojlund netted the winner in United’s 2-1 Premier League victory over Brentford last time out.
He has been limited to six appearances across all competitions this term due to a hamstring problem.
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