Hojlund scored twice against Bodo/Glimt. (Image: 2024 Manchester United FC)
Just as Ramsus Hojlund found his stride last season, he picked an injury that disrupted his rhythm.
Hojlund sustained a muscle injury against Luton Town on February 18 and confirmation that he was facing a few weeks on the sidelines came after he scored seven goals in six games.
The young striker scored in successive games against Tottenham, Newport County, Wolves, West Ham, Aston Villa and Luton but actually turned a corner before that run of games.
Hojlund had no problem scoring in the Champions League group stage, impressively scoring five times in Europe, but he had to wait until December to score his first goal in the Premier League, finally getting that monkey off his back when scoring a brace against Villa on Boxing Day.
ALSO READ: Ratcliffe must make a U-turn after United price hike
ALSO READ: Wonderkid Obi-Martin signs first professional contract
During the period that Hojlund hadn't scored in the league, he played it down but he was clearly relieved when he got off the mark. Shortly afterwards, Hojlund enjoyed a purple patch and United's unbeaten streak suddenly ended in the first game that he was unavailable with injury.
That didn't feel like a coincidence, although Hojlund didn't return from his injury in the same vein of form and Bruno Fernandes started as the false nine in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
It was a disappointing end to the campaign for Hojlund, who subsequently struggled for Denmark at Euro 2024 and picked up a hamstring injury in his first appearance of pre-season.
Hojlund made his comeback against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in September. He later scored against FC Porto and Brentford, but he was beginning to look like a player whose confidence was suffering and that's why it was so great to see him net a brace in the Europe League on Thursday night.
Alejandro Garnacho scored the opening goal against Bodo/Glimt but Hojlund created it with his aggressive pressing and his equaliser on the stroke of half-time was brilliantly taken.
There is more to come from Hojlund.
Hojund's touch to control Noussair Mazraoui's cross was superb and the finish was even better. It was tremendous goal from a technical perspective and his second goal was a 'proper striker's goal', with Hojlund sweeping home Mason Mount's low, driven cross from close range.
The smile was back on Hojlund's face when he spoke to MUTV to reflect on the performance and he described his matchwinner in the second half as the perfect "Rasmus Hojlund goal."
There is now a strong case for Hojlund to retain his starting role against Everton this weekend and history has a tendency to repeat itself, so he could be on the verge of a purple patch again.
Confidence is crucial in elite sport and strikers can be streaky creatures who go on a prolific run after a strong performance, just like Hojlund did at the start of the year. After scoring a brace on Boxing Day, Hojlund exploded into life and perhaps lightening could strike twice.
Ruben Amorim said about Hojlund in his press conference: "I think he improved the connection. I think he has to improve more because sometimes he gives too many touches when he holds the ball.
"But he’s really important for us because when we are in the low block he is the guy to hold the ball, to connect for transitions, he did that very well and he has that characteristic.
"He was aggressive in the goals, he was aggressive in the box and he is a quality player. I think he scores the most difficult goals so he has a lot to improve. Is the same for every player but he did a great job."
Hojlund said when conducting his media duties that Amorim's system suits him because he played in a similar formation with Atalanta and the pair could develop a healthy marriage.
United need Hojlund to score regularly and it feels like he's about to turn a corner again.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Keep warm on the sidelines
Beat the cold weather with these winter warmers
There's plenty of deals to keep you warm from head to toe on match day.
We've found heated clothing like gloves, gilets and hats, plus foot warmers and a simple thermal beanie that'll help you beat the winter weather.
from £9.99
Various