Erik ten Hag defends Manchester United fans’ booing of Rasmus Hojlund substitution

Erik ten Hag believes the boos from Manchester United supporters over his decision to replace Rasmus Hojlund during the 3-1 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford are a ‘positive’ sign.

Hojlund was handed his first start for United following his £72 million move from Atalanta in the summer and was denied a goal in the opening 45 minutes as a tight VAR call ruled that Marcus Rashford had taken the ball out of play in the build up.

United went on to lose the game 3-1, which means they have suffered three defeats in their opening five Premier League games.

Ten Hag defends Hojlund substitution

But Ten Hag has defended his decision to substitute Hojlund just over the hour mark, insisting that the Denmark international needs to be carefully managed back to full fitness.

‘I think it was positive,’ Ten Hag said when asked about the boos towards his decision to replace Hojlund.

‘You see the fans from the first moment at Old Trafford, the reception was great. He performed very well.

‘I think it’s good that they