Rasmus Hojlund’s stunning Champions League performance against FC Copenhagen on Wednesday evening has caught the eye of a former Manchester United winger.
The 20-year-old United striker fired his side into the lead inside the opening five minutes before doubling the Red Devils’ advantage in the 28th minute.
However, Copenhagen rallied back after Marcus Rashford’s controversial sending off, with Mohamed Elyounoussi pulling one back against United at the Parken.
Diogo Goncalves beat Andre Onana from the spot-kick to make the scores level at 2-2 before half-time, with Hojlund’s hard work for United in the first half undone.
Bruno Fernandes fired United back into the lead in the second half from the penalty spot, but Copenhagen fought back and caused a huge upset against the Red Devils.
Goals from Lukas Lerager and Roony Bardghji sealed all three points for Copenhagen, with United now bottom of Group A in the Champions League.
Gordon Hill’s reaction to Hojlund’s performance
Hojlund has impressed in the Red Devils’ Champions League campaign so far, with the United star scoring five times in four appearances this season.
However, the Denmark international has struggled with his goalscoring output in the Premier League, with Hojlund failing to find the back of the net in eight appearances.
Former United winger Gordon Hill, who played for the club in the 1970s, believes that Hojlund is “getting there” and ‘feels’ for him over his lack of service at times.
Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, he wrote: “Rasmus [is] getting there gradually.
“Hope this is not a one-off, I feel for the boy. No service [means] no goals [and it’s that] simple.”
Hojlund needs time at United
The pressure on Hojlund only mounts further due to United’s inconsistent run of form and the lack of goalscoring output from the front three at times.
United manager Erik ten Hag is keeping faith in Hojlund and has previously raved about his potential, with the Denmark striker impressing at times this season.
The Red Devils splashed out a hefty £72m fee to sign Hojlund from Serie A side Atalanta last summer, with the price tag only adding more pressure on him.
It will take time for Hojlund to properly adjust to the demands of England’s top-flight league, but the wingers must also step up and provide him with service.
The Copenhagen match proved that Hojlund can truly step up as the No 9 that United have been so desperate for and can deliver when he is supported properly.
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