Rasmus Hojlund has captured the imagination after an encouraging season in Serie A and Manchester United are betting on the 20-year-old talent to be the next superstar striker in European football.

But how can they get the best from the young Dane?

Erik ten Hag will welcome a pressing forward with pace but patience will be required. Hojlund has promise but United need to see significant progression to justify this outlay. He made that progress at Sturm Graz and again with Atalanta. This next step is the key one.

Ten Hag: Real Madrid defeat shows why Man Utd need a striker

Ten Hag said United’s inability to take their chances in a 2-0 friendly loss to Real Madrid on Thursday “absolutely” emphasised their need for a new striker.

United had chances of their own but failed to score with any of their 14 attempts – an all too familiar tale given their problems taking opportunities last season.

Asked if the attacking display in Texas emphasised why they were looking to sign a new striker, Ten Hag said: “Absolutely.

“There were two things – the pressing can be better from the start and scoring goals.

“I think we need more players who are capable to be in the one-on-ones and we had the situations of one-on-ones.”