18 February 2024 , 19:47
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Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund claims that he "100 per cent" meant his instinctive second goal against Luton.
Having already opened the scoring within 40 seconds, Hojlund grabbed his second in rather unorthodox fashion. Teammate Alejandro Garnacho fired in a shot from the right-hand side of the penalty area which looked to be going wide until Hojlund used his chest to deflect the ball past Luton goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski, making it 2-0.
A debate quickly ensued as to whether or not the Danish striker meant it, but he's in no doubt. "I did mean it, 100 per cent," Hojlund told Sky Sports after United's hard-fought 2-1 win. "You can see I turned my body and it went in. I was surprised to be honest. I have a lot of confidence at the moment."
Jamie Redknapp was in agreement with United's in-form £72million signing, as the ex- Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder declared at half-time: "He absolutely means it. He's red-hot, it's brilliant. He's on his toes, it's instinctive and he knows what he's doing.
"He flicks that left shoulder towards goal and it's a fantastic piece of play, watch his tongue come out as well - he's licking his lips he loves it so much. Hojlund is in great form, his 13th goal of the season and he’s putting the doubters to sleep."
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Hojlund has now scored seven goals in his last six Premier League games, having failed to find the net in his first 14 top-flight outings since joining from Atalanta in August. Manager Erik ten Hag is delighted that he's now found his scoring form but has always backed the 21-year-old.
"One of those things that we recruited him on was his character - he has a very strong character and although he's 21 now, he can really perform under stress," Ten Hag added.
"And that's one of the really big skills you need as a Manchester United striker. He's never nervous, he never loses confidence when he's not scoring. Obviously it would've helped if he'd scored earlier because when you arrive in a new league, a new club, it'll make it a lot easier but I know he had that confidence."
Rasmus Hojlund used his chest to deflect in his second goal (GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)Your turn! Do you think Rasmus Hojlund meant it? Let us know your stance in the comments section.
Hojlund himself added on his early struggles: "I never doubted myself but of course you can be a bit down when you don't score. I knew it was just a matter of time.
"I was learning my teammates and knowing their positioning. I always try to do my best. Three points is the most important thing. I always want to score but I'll always fight."