Manchester United benefitted from two early goals from Rasmus Hojlund to earn a win over Luton Town.
Manchester United have been crying out for a goalscorer, and Rasmus Hojlund is exactly as advertised.
His two goals against Luton were the sign of a poacher. For the first, he capitalised on a defensive mistake, rounded the goalkeeper and scored. Ruud van Nistelrooy would have been proud.
For his second he angled his chest to divert Alejandro Garnacho‘s shot into the net, showing an instinctiveness not seen since Javier Hernandez’s backwards header.
These are encouraging signs from the young Dane, who at 21, is now the youngest ever Premier League player to score in six games in a row.
Manchester United players show support
Rasmus Hojlund is enjoying his scoring streak, which has seen his goal tally now increase to 13. Seven of those have come in the Premier League, five in the Champions League and one in the FA Cup.
It’s not bad for his first season in English football, especially considering the pressure he has been under.
Hojlund’s goalscoring form has enabled Manchester United to start picking up wins on a regular basis.
He is happy with his output, writing on Instagram: “Big win away from home. One step closer to Where we need to be!”
Hojlund received supportive messages from his teammates, with Marcus Rashford writing, ‘Keep going bro’ and Harry Maguire commenting: “On fire mate”.
Records fall in Manchester United win
Rasmus Hojlund’s early brace helped Manchester United set a couple of team records.
His opening goal, timed at 37 seconds, was the quickest goal the club has scored away from home in the Premier League era.
United were two up within seven minutes. This was the quickest two goal lead the club has ever taken away from home in the Premier League era too.
Erik ten Hag backs Hojlund
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag had positive words to say about the Denmark international.
He told club media: “When things go against him like in the first half of the season, he has the abilities and the character to be resilient. He is determined to score goals and that is what we scouted him [for].
“He needed some support, as it is not easy when you are young. But in general he kept calm and you can see his abilities. I want to also mention that in the start he didn’t have some luck. He scored some goals, for instance the one against Brighton and it was disallowed and nobody knows why. Those moments are important, especially when you come into a new league, especially for a striker to build some confidence.
“He is a fighter and he keeps going and he has great abilities in front of goal.”
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