Former Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has given his verdict on Rasmus Hojlund’s goal during the Red Devils’ 3-2 win over Aston Villa.
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United were two goals down against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa and the Dutchman looked to be on the brink of being in serious trouble.
However, a few tactical tweaks from the Dutchman at half-time worked a treat for the Red Devils as they came back from two goals down and came away with a memorable 3-2 win.
Alejandro Garnacho scored twice playing from the right side, and had a third disallowed, and Rasmus Hojlund netted the winner 10 minutes from time.
Scholes’ verdict
Speaking to Premier League productions, Paul Scholes gave his verdict on the Danish striker’s performance and the former midfielder believes the 20-year-old forward was lucky to stay on the pitch.
“He does get a little bit of luck with the goal,” Scholes told Premier League Productions after the match.
“He’s lucky he’s on the pitch. But as Michael [Owen] said, I think it’s always best when you have not been scoring goals, to not have time about it and act on instinct.”
Despite Scholes believing that the Danish striker was lucky to be on the pitch, the Englishman was full of praise for the former Atalanta forward.
“He has no time whatsoever [with the goal]. It happens in a flash of a second,” he said. “The only thing he is thinking about is the far corner, it’s the only place he can score.
“Look, so happy for the lad. It’s been a tough start to his Premier League career. Hopefully, he can get up and running and score the goals he deserves to score.”
Michael Owen also gave his verdict on the finish, speaking on Premier League Productions, he said: It was a lovely finish, not an easy finish at all. On your left foot, bouncing at an awkward height.
“When you break it down, he had a tiny little slither to aim for, just inside the post – other players simply would not have scored.
“It was a lovely finish, and I’m really pleased for him, I think everybody, whether you support Manchester United or not, it’s nice to see someone who has been under so much pressure have a smile on their face.”
Hojlund has to kick on
The Danish striker was on fire for United’s relatively short-lived Champions League campaign with five goals to his name including a superb double against Galatasaray at Old Trafford, with his second goal, in particular, a beautiful solo goal.
In the Premier League, however, the Danish striker had been very profligate in front of goal but Hojlund, in fairness, has hardly had the chance to score.
The wingers have not helped him but the pair who started against Villa, Marcus Rashford and Garnacho, could be the key to getting the best out of the 20-year-old.
When the ball hit the back of the Villa net, the relief on Hojlund’s face was palpable. This has to be the kickstart of something great.