Berbatov Encourages Hojlund To Seize Van Nistelrooy Mentorship At Manchester United

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Dimitar Berbatov believes Rasmus Hojlund should seize the chance to work with Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy this season. Hojlund, who joined from Atalanta for a reported £72 million last year, netted 16 goals in 43 appearances during his debut season at Old Trafford. Despite a mixed year, he was sidelined for the start of the 2024-25 campaign due to a hamstring injury sustained in pre-season.

Erik ten Hag appointed former United star Van Nistelrooy as his new assistant manager ahead of the new term as part of a coaching reshuffle at the club. The Dutch international scored 150 goals in 219 games during his five-year stint in Manchester and is the club's eighth all-time top scorer. Berbatov sees Van Nistelrooy's arrival as an opportunity Hojlund must capitalise on upon his return from injury.

"This is the moment where he has to work even harder which won't be easy but it'll be beneficial," Berbatov said in an interview with Futbin. "Especially now that United have Ruud van Nistelrooy in the coaching team. So now if you don't take this opportunity to learn from one of the best who used to score goals for fun, you're wasting your time."

Last season, Hojlund was United's joint-top scorer in the Premier League alongside Bruno Fernandes, scoring 10 times as Ten Hag's side finished eighth in the division. The Danish international exceeded his expected goals (xG) total by 2.36 in the league, averaging a goal every 216.9 minutes for the Red Devils. He also managed 21 shots on target from 38 attempts, boasting the highest shot conversion rate (26.32%) among United players who attempted over 20 shots.

However, Berbatov identified areas where Hojlund could improve: "Hojlund's goal ratio must improve. He should be better and I think he can be better. He can do better but it comes down to concentration levels. Keeping his concentration levels high throughout all the games because he had good goal-scoring opportunities and didn't score them."

"Speak to Ruud, ask questions, visit his home if you have to, be respectful, listen to him, learn, ask questions and try to add that to your game," Berbatov added.

Hojlund endured a mixed year for the Red Devils and was ruled out for the opening fixtures of the current campaign with a hamstring injury picked up in pre-season.

The Danish international overperformed his expected goals (xG) total by 2.36 in the league last season.

This season presents an opportunity for Hojlund to build on his debut campaign and refine his skills under Van Nistelrooy’s guidance.