Rasmus Hojlund shows Man United what they’ve been missing as the returning Dane seals victory over Brentford and proves why Erik ten Hag is correct to rely on him
When Rasmus Hojlund limped off in Los Angeles after scoring against Arsenal this summer, we didn’t expect it would be another two months before the Manchester United forward would return to action.
Leny Yoro’s broken metatarsal in his debut became the bigger story that day, with Hojlund’s hamstring injury at SoFi Stadium coming in second.
As United stumbled quite a bit in the new season, with a shortage of goals and a lack of courage, the Dane’s absence was clearly felt.
Erik ten Hag’s side came into this match with just five goals between them in seven Premier League games – one fewer than Brentford’s Bryan Mbuemo – so it was clear where the biggest problem lay.
After scoring during his comeback against FC Porto in Europe earlier this month, Hojlund claimed his first league goal of the season as United came from behind to win.
Rasmus Hojlund scored his first Premier League goal of the season as Manchester United came from behind to beat Brentford on Saturday
Hojlund produced a deft finish as he lifted the ball over the Brentford goalkeeper to secure United’s comeback win
The £72million forward gives Erik ten Hag the physicality and directness lacking elsewhere in his side
The £72m striker gives Ten Hag the physicality and directness lacking elsewhere in his squad. Not that Hojlund lacks finesse. His fine thought on Mark Fleks for the winner was the result of a talented goalscorer who scored 16 goals in his first season at United.
Ten Hag will also be encouraged by the way he linked up play with Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford, who combined to equalize after Ethan Pinnock had headed Brentford ahead before half-time.
Garnacho, whose side-footed finish was equally special, has been United’s most potent attacking threat in Hojlund’s absence this season, while Rashford has looked more like his old self.
“It was a tough time to get the injury, but I feel great now and am ready to move on,” Hojlund said.
‘I tried to concentrate on the fact that I have the privilege of being a professional footballer. There are pros and cons, of course, and we get criticized, but sometimes we are superstars.
“All in all, I live the dream every day. I play for Manchester United and have the number 9 on my back. It’s a good life. I think I’m in a great place now.”
Hojlund inherited the shirt made famous in the summer by the likes of Sir Bobby Charlton and Andy Cole from Anthony Martial.
Erik ten Hag (left) celebrates as Hojlund (right) scores United’s winner against Brentford
Alejandro Garnacho (left) led United’s comeback with a stunning volley at the back post
“It means a lot, but I try not to put any extra pressure on it,” he added. ‘At the end of the day it’s a number. But it has a great meaning for this football club and also for me.’
The win has taken some of the tension off Ten Hag as he heads to Istanbul this week to face Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the Europa League.
The United manager was furious that Matthijs de Ligt was sent to the touchline to receive treatment for a head wound for a third time when Pinnock scored from a corner, although it is difficult to understand what other choice referee Sam Barrott had.
Ten Hag and his assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy were shown a yellow card for protesting and the FA may take a closer look at first-team coach Darren Fletcher’s half-time tirade against the referees in the tunnel.