Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has credited the club’s forward coach Benni McCarthy for igniting his scoring form.
After a slow start following his summer transfer from Atalanta, the 21-year-old finally opened his Premier League account on Boxing Day.
Despite a slow start to life in England, the Danish forward has found his scoring touch. His six goals in his last five league games took his EPL tally to seven while registered five goals in the UEFA Champions League and one in the FA Cup.
It means he has scored 13 goals in all competitions in 31 appearances. When questioned about his recent surge in form, the Danish striker credited the work done with McCarthy.
WHAT DID BENNI MCCARTHY DO TO IGNITE RASMUS HOJLUND’S FORM
“You could say that we have found each other better. We have had some forwards meetings with Benni McCarthy, where we talked about things,” he told Danish outlet BT.
“It wasn’t just me and two others, it was everyone from the front line who attended the meeting. And we talked about playing each other [in] well and helping each other, because that’s the way we will get the best results.
“We saw some video clips, and then there was reference to the fact that, here and there, some things should be done better. We could see that and then we have carried it out on the field, in training and matches.
“I try to train well and prepare every single day. And I train on both my strengths and weakness. I have got better and better. I’ve had a good month [or so] but it has been the result of good work over a long period. It clicks a little better than at the start of the Premier League season.”
Another beneficiary of McCarthy’s coaching, Marcus Rashford, previously spoke about the coach’s role in his own successful 2022/23 season with 30 goals for United.
“He’s definitely helped me a lot. To have attack-minded coaches is good for us. He’s always there speaking to us about these things,” Rashford said.
But the former Blackburn and West Ham forward has his sights set on a return to management someday. The Bafana Bafana record goal scorer previously led DStv Premiership clubs Cape Town City and AmaZulu.
“I want to use the experience I’ve gained here and what I’ve brought to the team to eventually become a manager again,” McCarthy told YOU Magazine.
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