Rasmus Hojlund scored the game-winning goal, his first in the Premier League, as Manchester United rallied at Old Trafford to defeat Aston Villa 3-2 after falling behind by two goals. At halftime, John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker each gave the visitors a two-goal advantage. After the interval, however, Alejandro Garnacho’s double restored parity, and Hojlund’s instinctive finish secured all three points for United.
Rasmus Hojlund stole the headlines with a late winner – his first Premier League goal – as Manchester United battled from two goals down to beаt Aston Villa 3-2. John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker were on target in the first half to give the visitors a two-goal cushion at the break.
United thought they had a goal back when Alejandro Garnacho finished off a brilliant team move, but it was ruled out for offside. However, the disallowed strike put the wind in United’s sails and less than 10 minutes later Garnacho scored to end United’s goal drought of more than seven hours. With 20 minutes to play, Garnacho struck a second time to level matters and set up an electric ending to the game. United were firmly in control in the final stages and Hojlund found himself in the right place at the right time to smаsh United ahead with his first Premier League goal for the club.
TALKING POINT – HOJLUND FINALLY OFF THE MARK
Erik ten Hag will no doubt be delighted with the three points, but he will be just as pleased to see his star striker finally end his long wait for a Premier League goal. Hojlund has five Champions League goals, but his lackluster domestic displays started to raise questions about the forward’s £72m price tag. However, it feels like he has already begun to pay that price off with the winner against Villa – the right player, in the right place, at the right time, snatching a vital three points for United.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (MAN UNITED)
The 19-year-old was sensational in the second half and drove United to victory through his hard work and determination. At 2-0 down he was the one that made the difficult runs, terrorized Villa’s defense, and made Martinez work. He was unlucky that he strayed slightly offside in the build-up to his disallowed goal and he could have easily had a hat-trιck if he had held his run for just half a second longer, but his two goals sure made the difference for United and gave Hojlund the confidence and belief they could grab a winner. A season-changing performance.
MATCH RATINGS
MAN UTD: Onana 6, Wan-Bissaka 7, Evans 7, Varane 6, Dalot 7, Eriksen 7, Mainoo 6, Fernandes 8, Rashford 7, Hojlund 8, Garnacho 8