Erik ten Hag gives reason why Rasmus Hojlund has stopped scoring goals for Manchester United

Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United's injury struggles are partly to blame for Rasmus Hojlund's recent barren run in front of goal.

The 21-year-old has not scored in his last five appearances after he had embarked on a run of eight goals in eight games, including two in the space of six minutes against Luton Town.

Hojlund suffered a muscle injury that saw him miss four matches and he has not found the back of the net since that trip to Kenilworth Road over two months ago.

The Danish forward will always be judged on the sheer amount of goals he scores, but Ten Hag pointed out that a key reason why he has struggled to find the back of the net lately is because of injuries elsewhere in the side as well. Ten Hag claims United have only been able to field their strongest line up once since he took charge of the club, and that is partly why Hojlund has struggled.

"He was in a fantastic run and then broke his rhythm," he told reporters ahead of the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry. "Why? I think there are always many reasons why. For instance, he was in the moment when he was in a run, we had a moment where we had many players available. We could bring out a strong side. After he returned (from his most recent injury) we have to make compromises. And yeah – of course – that decreases, the performance. And that is also an impact on everyone. So also on the striker."

He added: “No I don’t have any concern about what is said on the outside. What concerns me is that in 18 months I have never had my favourite team on the pitch in 18 months. That concerns me. Because the players are injured. One time (I could pick my strongest XI) was against City last season in the home game. That was the only time where we had a full squad, where I can pick my team and in all the other games there was always an injury aspect where we have to deal with.

“That is normal in football but not so many as we have had. And I know when we have so many injuries as we have had and on crucial key positions, you can’t deliver the results you want to bring and that is ok. But that is my truth. And others can have a different truth. But I can’t put energy in that.”