Rasmus Hojlund issues response after Wayne Rooney slams Man Utd players following Arsenal defeat

Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has responded after Wayne Rooney issued a damning verdict on Erik ten Hag’s squad.

United suffered their 14th league defeat of the season at Old Trafford on Sunday against title challengers Arsenal as they remain on course for their worst Premier League finish in history.

Ten Hag believes injuries are one of the main factors behind United’s poor form but Rooney sensationally claimed he believes some injured players are not willing to play through the pain barrier in order to help his side.

The ex-England international also claimed that the players must take a look at themselves after hearing Ten Hag’s post-match comments about attitude.

He told Sky Sports: “I think the players have to look at themselves, when you've got a manager talking about attitudes and players not being right to play for Manchester United, that's a massive insult. If I see my manager saying that, there's no way I would let that ride and ride until the end of the season.

"I think some players are just trying to get to the end of the season, that's my opinion on it. So I feel for him, but that's his job to make sure the players are right.”

Now, Hojlund has become the first United player to send a message to supporters after another dismal showing.

He wrote on Instagram: “Tough times at the moment. But we will grow from this.”

Rasmus Hojlund's message on Instagram

The 21-year-old has scored eight Premier League goals in his debut season.

Despite a difficult start to life in England, Rooney believes United should continue to back the Danish international after being impressed with what he's seen so far.

"I really like Hojlund," he told Sky Sports. "What I like about him is he is always in a position and always gets chances.

"He has not always taken them, he has missed chances, but I think for a forward, all you can ask is get in the right positions.

“If you are getting chances, more often than not, you will take them. If he keeps putting himself in the right positions, I think he will be a very good player for them in the next few years.”

United face Newcastle on Wednesday and need five points from their remaining two fixtures in order to best their worst ever finish of the Premier League era.