Rasmus Hojlund scored twice as Manchester United came from behind to beat Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday, with the Danish forward netting the winner three minutes from time
09:44, 13 Dec 2024
Rasmus Hojlund netted twice on Thursday evening(Image: Getty Images)
Rasmus Hojlund has revealed that the free-kick routine with Bruno Fernandes that led to Manchester United's winner against Viktoria Plzen was an instinctive move rather than a pre-planned one.
The Danish striker said he made the run to offer a passing option for Fernandes, having seen the captain play a similar pass to Anthony Martial in a previous game.
With only a couple of minutes left on the clock, Fernandes' precision pass found Hojlund, who spun his marker and fired in his second goal of the game.
READ MORE: Hojlund makes 'odd' Man Utd complaint despite netting brace and Amad argument
READ MORE: Amorim had perfect response to Hojlund and Amad's bust-up after Plzen win
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Hojlund's introduction in the 56th minute proved to be a turning point, as he equalised just six minutes later following good work from Amad. Despite the winner looking like a well-rehearsed move, Hojlund told TNT Sports that it was all about instinct.
"I've seen Bruno do that before, I remember a goal with Anthony Martial when Bruno did the chip for him and I just thought I had a good opportunity because I'm strong and I could spin him [my marker] and finish," he explained.
Manchester United
Manchester United battled back from behind to beat Viktoria Plzen
Hojlund also highlighted the importance of his ability to run in behind and stretch the play, which helped change the dynamics of the game from the first half.
Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund has acknowledged that the team faced a tough challenge in their recent match, citing the cold weather and difficult pitch conditions.
"It was a bit difficult, very cold today, difficult circumstances, the pitch was a bit boggy. We had to deal with it and we solved it in the second half," he said, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Anthony Martial of Manchester United on the ball during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on December 02, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
The move was inspired by Anthony Martial(Image: Getty Images)
"I think we didn't play too direct in the first half. We needed to play a bit more over them and behind them because there was a lot of space to run into. Especially with the pitch, if you win those second balls, you can play from there."
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Hojlund believes that the team is still adjusting to new head coach Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 system, and that actual games are proving more beneficial than training sessions for learning and implementing this strategy.
"We still need more time, it's still very early days, it's about getting the routines together and it's getting under the skin now," he said.
"But it still needs a lot of practice and a lot of time, we don't have a lot of sessions so we have to train it during matches. I know it sounds a bit off, but it's how you learn it best."