News
Ten Hag Backs Hojlund For EPL Goal Streak After Astonishing Comeback Win
Rasmus Hojlund Manchester United’s £72 million ($134 million AUD) sensation clinched his first Premier League goal in a jaw-dropping 3-2 comeback victory over Aston Villa, earning praise and backing from manager Erik ten Hag for more to come.
United seemed destined for their 14th defeat of the season across all competitions when Villa swiftly netted twice in the opening half through John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker, echoing boos around Old Trafford at halftime.
However, with INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford observing proceedings post Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s confirmed 25% stake in the club, United staged a remarkable resurgence. Alejandro Garnacho struck twice, setting the stage for Hojlund’s 82nd-minute winner.
Despite being United’s top scorer in their brief Champions League stint this summer, Hojlund had struggled to find the net in 16 domestic matches until this breakthrough moment, capitalizing on a flick from McGinn to slot home.
Ten Hag spoke about the 20-year-old Danish, that he has consistently reminded him of his goal-scoring prowess for Denmark and his performances in the Champions League, also that he’s capable, and now has broken the deadlock, and he is confident that more goals will follow.
Acknowledging Hojlund’s strength of character, ten Hag emphasized that he possesses the tenacity and personality of a true striker. It’s all about perseverance, and with continued effort, the goals will flow.
While Brailsford witnessed both the brilliance and lapses of United’s performance, ten Hag defended their display that It wasn’t the worst. Despite conceding sloppily, we adapted our pressing and maintained belief and that’s what matters.
Meanwhile, Villa’s Unai Emery rued missed opportunities, recognizing the need to learn from the experience: “We controlled the game for the first 60 minutes, but conceding due to mistakes shifted the atmosphere. We’ve had a fantastic first half of the season, but there’s room for improvement.”
With Hojlund’s breakthrough promising a potential goal spree and United’s resilient display, ten Hag’s belief in his squad’s capabilities echoes a new hope for the Red Devils as they navigate the challenges ahead in the Premier League.
