Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag stated that he appreciated how Manchester United fans reacted to Rasmus Hojlund’s substitution.
On Saturday, United used summer signing Rasmus Hojlund against Brighton and Hove Albion.
The big-money signing from Atalanta was delayed from making his Premier League debut due to an injury.
Hojlund made an impressive debut against Arsenal and then played for Denmark during the international break.
The timing felt right for Hojlund to make his debut against Brighton and Hove Albion, and Erik ten Hag obliged.
Rasmus Hojlund’s complete Manchester United debut is frustrating
Hojlund paired Marcus Rashford up front against Brighton, with Ten Hag attempting a diamond formation in midfield behind two strikers.
The Dane did put the ball in the back of the net in the first half, prodding home from close range.
However, Rashford was found to have put the ball out of play before cutting it back to Hojlund, depriving him of his fantasy debut goal.
That was the closest Hojlund came to establishing his United account, failing to register a shot on goal as United were defeated 3-1.
Hojlund did make two vital passes, but what appeared to be a perfect Old Trafford start turned out to be a miserable day.
Erik ten Hag reacts to United fans booing him
Hojlund was replaced by Anthony Martial in the second half, but only after a chorus of boos from United fans.
This was not so much about Martial as it was about the opinion that Hojlund should have stayed on the field with United chasing goals.
Ten Hag, on the other hand, seemed unfazed, telling BBC Sport that he views the boos as a compliment.
The Dutchman claims that the booing for Hojliund’s leaving was’very good’ because United fans were so impressed with him.
Ten Hag thought Hojlund ‘did extremely well,’ but he should be concerned that United fans are booing him just weeks into the new season.
“I think it was very good,” Ten Hag stated. “Hojlund – the audience loved his performance. It’s his first appearance at Old Trafford, so it’s fantastic that he gets such a warm reception. He did an excellent job, and we are really pleased,” he continued.
