Rasmus Hojlund made his first start of the season on Thursday night against Porto and his impact was almost immediate as he scored, making it 2-0.
Manchester United leading in Europe is almost a bad omen at this point though, as once again we watched as the Red Devils threw away victory, with Porto coming back to make it 3-2.
Erik ten Hag’s blushes were only spared by a late Harry Maguire-headed goal making it 3-3 – although this will far from lift the huge weight currently placing pressure on the United manager.
United once again imploding when in the lead is a concerning yet unsurprising outcome, considering it has happened far too often in European competition.
However, one of the few positives to take from the game was seeing Rasmus Hojlund back among the goals.
How Rasmus Hojlund celebrated scoring against Porto
After being out injured since July, Hojlund’s return as an option up front is more than welcome and has already borne fruits for United as he showed instantly that he is more of a traditional number nine than Joshua Zirkzee.
Hojlund converted his only real chance of the game, having just 16 touches in the 68 minutes he lasted.
After scoring, Hojlund took his time celebrating and even posted a tongue-in-cheek Instagram post admitting he had been working on his celebration for six weeks.
However, off camera, there was another moment in his celebration which said plenty about how Hojlund feels to be back in action.
Samuel Luckhurst spotted this, with Hojlund going to the bench where he celebrated with club physio David Binningsley who was the main medical staff member working with Hojlund during his recovery from hamstring injury.
After such a frustrating lay-off, it’s clear Hojlund is thankful to Binningsley for his role in getting the Dane back fit and firing – while Ten Hag will also be grateful.
Hopefully, extra time on the sidelines and being eased back in should mean Hojlund is fit for longer, with last season showing he kept getting injured.
Manchester United finally have a number nine
Throughout the 2024/25 season to date, the lack of a number nine has cost United – with Zirkzee being more of a 9.5 and a facilitator than an outright goalscorer.
However, now with Hojlund’s return, there is an outlet up front and also a player who is becoming increasingly clinical in front of goal.
In the two starts Hojlund has made this season he has two goals – including pre-season – both goals also came against top opposition.
Despite Zirkzee being a key cog in United’s team when he plays, in terms of a starting striker, Hojlund simply offers more in the way of goal goal-scoring threat.
He may not get on the ball and influence games, but goals have been hard to come by this season, and the Dane could solve this issue.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
