After only 87 minutes of play, one can better understand why Erik ten Hag identified Rasmus Hojlund as the ideal name to strengthen the Red Devils’ attack.
Hojlund has not been able to score in his first two appearances for the club, but has done enough to impress. Things would be very different without the participation of… VAR. The Danish international could have marked his full debut for Man United at Old Trafford with a goal in the 3-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion, but it was disallowed because Marcus Rashford let the ball go out in the situation. before.
Hojlund played well in the few minutes he played.
Deployed as a striker in a diamond formation alongside Rashford, Hojlund led the attack very well, demonstrating his mobility and tireless fighting ability until he was withdrawn in the 64th minute. replaced by Anthony Martial, causing Red Devils fans present at Old Trafford to boo Ten Hag’s decision. However, the Dutch strategist admitted after the match that it was a pre-planned move to manage Hojlund’s injury recovery process.
Hojlund’s Man United debut was delayed due to a back injury. He has not played the full 90 minutes since Denmark beat Northern Ireland 1-0 in June. Accordingly, Man United wants to take care of Hojlund carefully, as planned by the Danish national team applies to you.
Hojlund has done enough for Man United to expect.
When he came off the bench in the match against Arsenal more than 2 weeks ago, if he was luckier, he would have made a significant impact. Hojlund neatly heeled Casemiro’s pass, allowing Garnacho to score but it was not recognized. If Garnacho had slowed down for a split second, things could have been much different for Man United.
Hojlund’s first two outings have given Red Devils fans an insight into what he can bring: Excellent movement, physicality, pace, real threat in front of goal, great link-up play. The disallowed goal celebration against Brighton shows determination and desire – something that Ten Hag often looks for in all of his contracts. Hojlund’s personality and confidence also shined through in his inspirational speech to Danish fans after their 1-0 win over Finland just over a week ago.
Of course, in the end, Hojlund will be judged on his ability to score and create goals in front of goal, just like any other striker. But in the short term, Red Devils fans can be more patient with him. The pressure to score goals on the former Atalanta star also decreased.
Minh Tuan | 21:32 September 18, 2023
