Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund got back on the scoresheet against Tottenham.
After hitting a winner over Aston Villa on Boxing Day, Rasmus Hojlund could not immediately capitalise on that positive moment, missing the subsequent match against Nottingham Forest with illness.
Then in the FA Cup against Wigan, he missed opportunities and failed to score, leading to some heavy criticism coming his way.
Yesterday against Tottenham, Rasmus Hojlund made up for lost time, and missed chances, scoring after just three minutes with a thumping finish.
But that wasn’t it. Hojlund made another contribution every bit as important as his goal.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2024, ins, outs, loan moves
Hojlund provides assist
Rasmus Hojlund provided his first assist in a Manchester United shirt, laying on a pass for Marcus Rashford.
It is a partnership Manchester United have been trying to get going all season, mainly from a Rashford to Hojlund perspective.
Rashford has supplied goals for Hojlund, starting with a cross which the Dane headed in, against Galatasaray. It just hasn’t happened often enough.
Against Tottenham, Hojlund demonstrated the combination can work the other way too.
Rashford and Hojlund might never been Yorke and Cole, but if they can get halfway there, Manchester United will be onto something.
Erik ten Hag was impressed, also pointing out that Rashford played a part in setting up Hojlund’s opener.
He told club media: “The co-operation with Hojlund is growing. The first goal was prepared by Rashford for Hojlund. He also scored a very good goal, so I’m pleased with that.”
A new side to Hojlund’s game
You could argue Hojlund is not known for being a prolific goalscorer yet, but he’s certainly more known for scoring goals than he is for creating them.
If he can show some development in this area, it will be really important for the team. Hojlund’s link play must grow along with his goalscoring.
This will also help him be valuable to the team when he is not scoring. So often, he has been a passenger, when he has failed to offer a goal threat himself.
Hojlund only provided two assists for Atalanta last season, so this is not a strong area for him. It is certainly one where there is room for improvement.
Hojlund is United’s most important summer addition
Rasmus Hojlund was one of three players signed last summer along with Andre Onana and Mason Mount.
He was the most expensive of the three, and was signed with a long-term view, the hope that £64 million eventually looks cheap.
Manchester United need him to succeed, to show that the club is a good place to develop talent, and to repay the investment. There were a lot of other ways United could have spent this money.
If Hojlund is successful between now and the end of the season, Erik ten Hag will be a lot more secure in his position.
Assists for Hojlund can be as much a part of his success as his goals. He is now on seven goals and one assist for the season.
READ MORE: Join the conversation with the United in Focus Whatsapp group
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
