Erik ten Hag identified the Denmark international as his No.1 target to breath new life into his side’s faltering forward line in the summer.
When Ten Hag approved a £72 million deal for the 20-year-old who scored nine Serie A goals for Atalanta last season, questions were raised.
After choosing to use Wout Weghorst as a temporary fill-in after Cristiano Ronaldo left earlier this year, United was in desperate need of a new centre forward.
A fresh striker was required due to Anthony Martial’s continued fitness issues, which made the choice to recruit an inexperienced player like Hojlund all the more shocking.
After Hojlund arrived still nursing a back injury, United supporters had to wait until last weekend for a second half cameo against Arsenal to see him in action, but Fernandes has been inspired by the development his new comrade has made.
‘He’s someone who is always wanting to speak to everyone, he is a youngster that what I have seen up till now who certainly wants to work, he wants to get into the team,’ he said.
“He wants to get in shape as quickly as possible, and I believe he will bring us a lot of energy, strength, and hopefully a lot of goals as well.
I’ve always stated that everyone behind the players is there to serve them, so I want to establish that connection with him as well as with the other wingers and strikers.
“We want them to feel happy, to believe that the ball is coming, that they will have their chances, and obviously, we want them to score goals.”
“I desire goal scoring from my strikers and wingers.” I want to see their joyful expressions as they celebrate in front of the Stretford End at Old Trafford because, of course, it feels nice when someone else scores.
