Manchester United suffered another damaging defeat against West Ham (Picture: Getty)
Erik ten Hag has revealed illness played a part in his decision to substitute goal-shy Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund against West Ham.
United ground out a draw at Liverpool last weekend after a spirited rearguard action yielded a point, but they failed to build on that performance and slipped to another damaging defeat at the London Stadium.
Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus did the damage late in the second half as the visitor’s defence, which featured debutant Willy Kambwala, caved in.
While it was no surprise to see a makeshift backline struggle, United’s lack of attacking threat should have represented a far greater concern for their beleaguered manager.
Wingers Antony and Alejandro Garnacho were easily contained by the West ham full-backs, while it was another fruitless afternoon for Hojlund, who has now gone 14 Premier League games without breaking his duck.
The £72million summer signing from Atalanta was hooked just before the hour mark when the game was still goalless, but Ten Hag insisted the youngster had been ill in the build-up to the game and that contributed to his early withdrawal.
‘I think he’s a very strong character and he can deal with the stress,’ said Ten Hag when asked about Hojlund’s goal drought. ‘I took him off.
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‘He was ill during the week and so he had a little lack of power. So, yeah, in that sense, I protected him.
‘We have to play two more games this week. But we can’t feel sorry for ourselves. No one. And we have to take the responsibility.
‘If you are playing for Manchester United you have to do it together, but everyone has to be accountable and take responsibility.’
Marcus Rashford replaced Hojlund but the England international fared little better in a central striking role he has rarely convinced in previously.
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‘As I said before, we have players who can do it,’ implored Ten Hag. ‘They proved it in the past. They can do it.
‘But we also have to acknowledge the facts that we didn’t do, as a team. And so, yes, we have to take responsibility.
‘And yes, of course, football is about winning games and it’s about scoring goals.’
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