Ten Hag told Sky Sports: "During the last decade and during this period, we could not always get the players we wanted. But then you have to build and you have to accept that you bring in talent instead of players who have already proven it before.
"We have made some choices with talents like Rasmus Hjlund. I can see a striker who has already proven that, who we wanted to sign, but couldn't get him. And then we went to Rasmus because he is a talent."
Ten Hag admits he is referring to Kane, 30.
"Yes, and you know Harry Kane will give you 30 goals. I think Rasmus will get there, but he needs time. It is not fair to judge him in the same way as Harry Kane. I would never compare two players because they are very different.
"But with Hjlund, I think we had the greatest potential in the attacking position last summer and we are very happy with him. But he also needs time to adapt and we are very pleased that he has shown his assets in his goalscoring."