First Goal To Determine MU's Victory, Rasmus Hojlund: I'm The Happyest Person

The emotional expression of striker Rasmus Hojlund after scoring a goal in the match Manchester United vs Aston Villa (X/@ManUtd).

JAKARTA - The long wait for the Manchester United striker, Rasmus Hojlund, has ended. He scored the first goal and became the determinant of MU's 3-2 victory over Aston Villa. Hojlund also admitted to being the happiest person.

MU's dramatic match against Villa occurred in the 2023/2024 Premier League at Old Trafford Stadium, Wednesday, December 27, 2023, early morning WIB.

Left 2-0 behind through John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker, MU managed to equalize the score when Alejandro Garnacho scored a brace.

Furthermore, Hojlund, who had never broken into the opponent's goal in domestic competition, finally managed to beat Argentina national team goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Hojlund's first goal since being recruited from Atalanta was created after he waited 438 minutes to play in 15 league games.

The goal immediately received a nervous welcome from the fans. Not only that, when replaced, Hojlund got a standing opportunity from the fans.

This goal is at least Hojlund's answer to criticism because it is still barren in the Premier League.

Even so, the 20-year-old striker has actually broken into the opponent's goal in the 2023/2024 Champions League.

This also dismissed accusations against Manager Erik ten Hag who was judged to have made another mistake in purchasing players. Previously, new players in the Ten Hag era, such as Antony, failed to show their best performance.

In fact, Antony's price is almost the same as that of Bayern Munich when he brought Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur. Ironically, Kane achieved great success in his Bundesliga debut with Bayern.

Likewise Casemiro and Raphael Varane were quite successful in their first season. However, in the second season, they failed to maintain performance. In the aftermath, the club is considering reselling Casemiro and Varane.

However, the patience of Hojlund and MU finally paid off. The Danish national team striker also vented his emotions when celebrating his first goal.

It didn't stop there, Hojlund immediately became the headline in various British media after bringing MU to victory in the Boxing Day match.

"However, it was only temporary," he joked. "What is clear is that I am the happiest person at the moment. You can witness my celebration," said the 20-year-old striker.

"I've actually scored several goals in the Champions League. However, I have to wait to do so in the Premier League. I hope to continue to do so," he said.

Meanwhile, Garnacho said the contribution of goals that led the team to win at least silenced critics of Hojlund.

Not only Hojlund, but also MU forwards are often criticized for their lack of productivity in goals at The Red Devils.

Until the 19th week, MU had only scored 21 goals. MU's score only outperformed the teams in the relegation zone.

"We are Manchester United. When we were 2-0 behind, we never gave up. When we were in the dressing room (the first half), I said we only needed one goal to turn things around," Garnacho said.

Garnacho's prediction is not wrong. Even though his first goal was annulled, MU quickly got up and Garnacho then scored.

Sure enough, after that goal, MU appeared full of enthusiasm. As a result, Garnacho scored again and Hojlund completed the team's victory.

"I am happy with Rasmus (Hojlund). Many have spoken that MU strikers have never been able to score goals."

"Now, you can see how (Marcus) Rashford made an assist and we scored. This is the best day of my life," he said.

Victory over Villa brought MU back up to sixth place with 31 points. They are still three points adrift of one city rivals Manchester City, who are in fifth place. However, Man City still has two games left.

MU's position received threats from West Ham United who will serve Arsenal in the London Derby, Friday, December 29, 2023, early morning WIB.

MU itself also needs consistency. In the next match, Bruno Fernandes and colleagues are expected to maintain their performance to get three points against host Nottingham Forest.