Rasmus Hojlund made his debut for Manchester United against Arsenal on Sunday, and despite the team’s defeat, fans were impressed with his first appearance for the club.
Hojlund, a 20-year-old Danish forward, joined United in a £64 million move from Atalanta earlier in the summer but had to wait to make his debut due to a back issue that kept him out of United’s first three Premier League games of the season.
Although he was named in the matchday squad for United’s match against Arsenal, he initially started on the bench, with Anthony Martial starting as the center forward.
United took the lead with a brilliant Marcus Rashford finish against the run of play, but Arsenal equalized through their captain, Martin Odegaard. With the score tied at 1-1 in the closing stages, United manager Erik ten Hag introduced Hojlund for his debut, with the Denmark international replacing Martial with around 25 minutes left in the match.
Rasmus Hojlund made an immediate impact for Manchester United during his debut, impressing fans with his hold-up play and almost creating a goal with a brilliant flick. Unfortunately, Alejandro Garnacho’s fine finish was ruled out for offside with just minutes remaining in the match.
Despite the defeat to Arsenal, United fans were quick to praise Hojlund on social media after the game for his energy and enthusiasm up front.
Rasmus Hojlund vs Arsenal (A)
30 minute debutpic.twitter.com/Y1x48rv0cf
— Viran🇲🇾 (@MadnessFc4) September 3, 2023
“We’ve had a terrible game, so the loss is deserved. The only positive is that the attacking trio of Rashford, Hojlund and Garnacho looks explosive,” posted one fan on X.
United fan and YouTuber Mark Goldbridge added: “Rasmus is electric! Love the energy.”
“Hojlund looks good,” added another supporter.
“With him and Amrabat we could actually play some good football,” posted another.
“Beaten at Emirates again. Hojlund should have started for real,” wrote a fourth.
While a fifth posted: “Hojlund is ready. There’s no doubt. And we need it. Absolute game changer potential. His physicality is special.”