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Since signing for Manchester United in August, the duty of main the staff’s assault has fallen squarely on the shoulders of Rasmus Hojlund.
With no pure striker within the squad apart from a repeatedly injured Anthony Martial, expectations for the 20 yr outdated started to construct the second he arrived at Previous Trafford from Atalanta.
At the same time as Man United have struggled all through what has been a extremely disappointing begin to the season, Hojlund has already confirmed to be the membership’s silver lining, exhibiting his need, vitality, and ending product even when the staff has been at their lowest.
In reality, the argument may very well be made that he might in actual fact have emerged as Erik ten Hag’s finest signing at United.
Making his debut in opposition to Arsenal following a again damage that noticed him miss United’s first three Premier League matches, the Danish worldwide’s 23-minute cameo proved to be a brilliant one.
Displaying physicality in opposition to the Gunners’ defence and making some first rate runs, Hojlund threaded a chic backheeled cross to Alejandro Garnacho who put the ball into the again of the online.
Had Garnacho not been adjudged to be offside, Hojlund would have secured an help on his membership debut.
Whereas he was nonetheless unable to get on the scoring or help sheet throughout his subsequent Premier League performances in opposition to Brighton, Burnley, and Crystal Palace, there have been a number of strengths that the Dane exhibited in his performances.
Throughout his 4 league matches thus far, Hojlund accomplished 75% of his dribbles, whereas additionally contributing to Erik ten Hag’s transitional sport by recovering two balls per sport and successful again possession from opponents as soon as per match. (Sofascore)
Nonetheless, it’s been within the Champions League the place United’s new beginning striker has shone the brightest.
Regardless of receiving minimal provide from his midfielders in the course of the 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich in United’s opening Champions League group sport, Hojlund confirmed simply how opportunistic he’s by scoring his first purpose in a United shirt in opposition to the Bundesliga champions.
In his staff’s second Champions League sport in opposition to Turkish membership Galatasaray, Hojlund unleashed his true potential, proving to be deadly within the midst of his staff’s bitter 3-2 defeat at dwelling.
Scoring two objectives and seeing his third being dominated offside, Hojlund was actually one of many solely glowing positives from United’s erratic efficiency.
What’s extra, the Dane’s two objectives got here off his solely two photographs your entire night, as soon as once more proving simply how scientific he’s when a chance comes his approach.
The 20 yr outdated’s affect is much more evident when in comparison with United’s different new summer time signings.
Though goalkeeper Andre Onana has been simpler with the ball at his toes than predecessor David de Gea, his saving has been questionable, with Ten Hag revealing that he’ll discuss with Onana about his struggles on the pitch.
Whereas Mason Mount has proven good tackling and urgent skill for United, he has to date been unable to supply any ending product within the type of objectives or assists.
Sofyan Amrabat shone as considered one of United’s heroes throughout his debut within the 3-0 League Cup victory in opposition to Crystal Palace, nevertheless, the necessity to shift him from his pure place within the midfield to left-back amid United’s worsening damage disaster has interrupted his progress.
Full-back Sergio Reguilon stunned together with his high-energy performances in opposition to Bayern Munich within the Champions League and Burnley within the Premier League, nevertheless, damage has disrupted his constructive begin to life at Previous Trafford, with followers hoping for the Spaniard to make his return in opposition to Brentford this weekend.
Finally, Hojlund has stood out from the pack as United’s signing of the summer time to date this season, exhibiting his huge potential up entrance regardless of an absence of provide and even a good urgent sport with out the ball.
Ten Hag will do properly to foster communication between Hojlund and his teammates corresponding to Marcus Rashford as he appears to start United’s long-awaited season turnaround.
