Dimitar Berbatov believes Rasmus Højlund "must improve" this season, especially with Ruud van Nistelrooy now part of the Manchester United coaching staff.
Højlund joined the club from Atalanta in 2023 for £64 million, scoring 16 times in his debut season across all competitions. The 21-year-old struck for 10 Premier League goals during his maiden campaign, giving him one goal every three matches in league play.
It's wasn't the return that Berbatov expected from the young striker, and the former Red Devils player says Højlund can be more productive during the current season.
"Højlund's goal ratio must improve," Berbatove told Futbin.com. "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.
“So this is the moment where he has to work even harder which won't be easy but it’ll be beneficial."
Berbatov said there is little reason for Højlund not to improve this season with former United star Van Nistelrooy having returned to Old Trafford as an assistant to manager Erik ten Hag. Van Nistelrooy was prolific during his five seasons as a striker for United, and Berbatov believes Højlund now has the perfect mentor to guide him to loftier heights.
"Especially now that United have Ruud van Nistelrooy in the coaching team," Berbatov said. "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.
“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.”
Live on DAZN: Floyd Mayweather vs. John Gotti III (excluding Mexico). Click here for details.