Rasmus Hojlund replaced Anthony Martial to make his Manchester United debut (Picture: Getty Images)
Rasmus Hojlund spoke out on his pride after making his Manchester United debut on Sunday and promised that the Red Devils will bounce back from the defeat to Arsenal.
On a dramatic afternoon at Emirates Stadium, United took the lead through Marcus Rashford in the first half, only for Martin Odegaard to equalise in a matter of seconds.
A draw looked on the cards until Declan Rice scored his first Arsenal goal in the 96th minute and Gabriel Jesus finished off a 3-1 win two minutes later.
It was a disappointing outing for Erik ten Hag’s men, but there were positives to take, including the first appearance in a Manchester United shirt for the 20-year-old from Denmark.
Hojlund looked bright and brought a presence and physicality to United’s front line that they had been without before he took to the field.
The Dane posted on Instagram after the contest, saying he was thrilled to make his Red Devils debut, but intends to be on the winning side next time he turns out for the club.
Hojlund wrote: ‘So proud to make my debut for @manchesterunited the Dream became a reality❤️ Unlucky with the result today… but we Will bounce back after the international break. Now focus on 🔜🇩🇰.’
United legend Gary Neville was encouraged by Hojlund’s debut, but did warn of problems the striker will face at Old Trafford.
‘Manchester United haven’t had a striker that they can hit. That’s the problem,’ Neville told Sky Sports. ‘Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t a classic targetman, [Anthony] Martial’s certainly not, [Marcus] Rashford’s not. At least they’ve got someone who looks he’ll mess people around and get his body in there. He’s aggressive, and he’s a runner.
‘The thing for him is he’s learning the game still. He’s only played a couple of seasons of top level football and we’re expected him to be Erling Haaland. That’s the problem.
‘Manchester United haven’t got anyone else with experience to back him up. We’ve been watching Martial for 9-10 years at Manchester United and he’s not what Erik ten Hag wants. This lad, lot of pressure on him, big price tag, but it was an encouraging start.’