LONDON – It was not long ago that Manchester United’s signing of Rasmus Hojlund was a rich source of humour for fans of rivals Manchester City as the young Dane laboured to make an impression in the English Premier League.
Not helped by United's worst start to a season since the early 1960s, Hojlund, who cost £72 million (S$122 million), looked lost at times as his wait for a first league goal dragged on.
The contrast with City’s Norwegian Erling Haaland, who stormed the Premier League in record-breaking fashion in his first season, was almost laughable. But suddenly the boot is on the other foot.
While Haaland is hardly having a bad season with a league-topping 16 goals, Hojlund no longer looks like a poor imitation.
A day after Haaland missed an absolute sitter in City’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Feb 17, Hojlund’s brace helped United to get a 2-1 win at Luton Town that pushed his side closer to the top four.
Haaland has almost monopolised the record books since arriving in England in July 2022, but the 21-year-old Hojlund has now scored in six successive Premier League games, the youngest player ever to do so. Incredibly it took him until after Christmas to register his first league goal.
Now he has seven to his name plus five in his debut season in the Champions League, with the double at Kenilworth Road illustrating the confidence that has returned.
After 37 seconds, Hojlund seized on a loose back pass and clinically put his side in front. Six minutes later, he showed great dexterity and speed of thought by chesting a volley from Alejandro Garnacho past Luton keeper Thomas Kaminski.
“I need to say thanks to my teammates and the coach because they have showed me great confidence and kept believing in me,” said Hojlund, who arrived from Serie A’s Atalanta in August.
“I knew as well that I could score goals but of course, it was annoying I didn’t score in the Premier League.”
His sudden goal surge has been a timely boost for manager Erik ten Hag, who was coming under increasing pressure with his team misfiring and Hojlund unable to locate the net.
Not that the Dutchman had any real doubts that his striker would eventually come good.
“We recruited him on his character, I knew it was strong. He can really perform under stress and that is something you need as a Man United striker,” he said.
“He doesn’t get nervous or lose confidence. He has a lot of confidence and I’m sure he will score even more.”
No one is expecting Hojlund to start racking up the sort of statistics Haaland has done for City but he now looks like the kind of striker to help a rejuvenated United embark on a new era.
Meanwhile, Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth has been put on gardening leave after reportedly telling the club he wants to join United. REUTERS
