Rasmus Hojlund scores first league goal to lift Manchester United to 3-2 win over Villa

LONDON – Rasmus Hojlund admitted that he was the “happiest man alive”, after the Manchester United striker finally scored his first English Premier League goal to seal a dramatic 3-2 win against Aston Villa on Dec 26.

The Dane had gone 14 games without a league goal since his August move from Atalanta for £72 million (S$121 million), although he has scored five times in six Champions League matches.

The 20-year-old saved his maiden Premier League strike for the perfect moment when he swivelled to fire home off the post in the 82nd minute at Old Trafford.

That capped United’s recovery from two goals down to beat title-chasing Villa, which also ended the hosts’ four-game winless run in all competitions.

Hojlund appeared on the brink of tears during his wild goal celebration and he said: “It has been a while but yes I am very happy. I am the happiest man alive right now. You can see from the celebrations as well.”

Amid a difficult season for both Erik ten Hag’s side and Hojlund, the youngster insisted he never lost faith in his ability.

“As the manager has said before I have scored a few goals in the Champions League but of course it has been a while in the Premier League before scoring. Now I have got it and I hope I can just build on that and keep going,” he added.

“First-time finish in off the post, good finish, so I’m happy. I’m happy for the three of us attackers as well because we showed a lot of character today, and a lot of confidence.”

The Red Devils were in danger of another damaging defeat when goals from John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker put Villa in control by half-time.

But it was truly a game of two halves after fans at Old Trafford booed United off the pitch at the interval.

A remarkable turnaround saw Alejandro Garnacho net a brace and Hojlund break his scoring drought of 1,027 minutes, which then saw the team serenaded with delighted singing and a standing ovation at the final whistle.

“So we said, keep going and believe it, and in ourselves,” said ten Hag, whose side are sixth.

“And I said that is what I demand from the team, I said it before the game, I said it during half-time, keep believing and we will win this game.”

On keeping Hojlund’s confidence up, the United boss added: “I had several talks with him and every time I pointed out that ‘Hey, you scored for Denmark, a lot. You scored in the Champions League. So this demonstrated ability. So, you can do it. So believe in it, and it will come’.

“And I’m sure now the first goal is in he will net more.”

Villa manager Unai Emery, meanwhile, said his side lost an “amazing opportunity” to seize all three points.

His team suffered their first defeat in 11 games in all competitions and are third behind Liverpool (42) and Arsenal (40) after picking up 39 points from 19 games.

“It’s the first half of the season and it’s been brilliant the way we did. We lost an amazing opportunity tonight to be with three points more after the first 60 minutes we played,” the Spaniard said.

The former Arsenal boss, who has transformed Villa in a little more than a year since replacing England great Steven Gerrard, said they want to quickly put the disappointing result behind them when they host promoted Burnley next.

“The players were disappointed but our reaction can be against Burnley on Saturday – this is our next challenge we have to face after the result we had tonight,” he added.

“It’s very important to be strong with our form, with our supporters... It’s important to recover the mentality and the physicality of the players for Saturday.

“After the result we had tonight that’s a bit more difficult, but we have a lot of positive things in our way to be optimistic.” AFP, REUTERS