Revealed: The Words of Ten Hag to Hojlund that helped him break his PL goalless streak

In the run-up to the Boxing Day match against Aston Villa, Erik ten Hag reminded Rasmus Hojlund of his goalscoring success in the Champions League and with the Denmark national team.

Despite his recent barren spell in the Premier League, the 20-year-old’s confidence was restored, and he scored the game-winning goal for United.

The victory was made all the sweeter by the fact that it came after goals from Alejandro Garnacho and was a comeback win. This goal also ended Hojlund’s run of eight games without a goal.

Hojlund’s goal was the culmination of United’s second-half resurgence, which had been set in motion by Garnacho’s well-taken goals.

The young Spaniard had been brought on at half-time to inject some much-needed energy and creativity into the United attack, and he delivered in spades. His first goal was a stunning individual effort, dribbling past several defenders before slotting the ball into the bottom corner. His second goal, a cheeky lob over the stranded Villa keeper, was no less impressive.

United’s victory was all the more satisfying given that it had seemed so unlikely after Villa’s first-half performance. After McGinn’s deflected strike and Dendoncker’s close-range finish, United looked destined for defeat. However, Garnacho and Hojlund’s heroics turned the game on its head, and the final whistle was greeted with euphoria by the home fans.

The victory was a huge boost for United’s top-four hopes, as they moved to within two points of fourth-placed Chelsea. It was also a welcome tonic for Hojlund, who will hope to build on his goal and continue his return to form.

In the words of Erik ten Hag:

I have had several talks with him,” Ten Hag said after the 3-2 victory. “I pointed out that you scored for Denmark a lot, you scored in the Champions League, you have demonstrated the ability, so you can do it. Believe in it and it will come.”

I am sure now the first goal is in. He will get more. “Asked how the bad run affected Hojlund in recent weeks, Ten Hag added: “Of course, when strikers don’t score that is always a problem but he has a strong character and is always so determined. He has a big personality, and that is what a striker needs. And when you keep investing, the goals will come.”