Rasmus Hojlund was good value when he spoke to journalists after Manchester United's win against Leicester last weekend. He [spoke openly about his disappointing season](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/what-im-here-for-rasmus-31215901) and demonstrated self-awareness when admitting he still has plenty to improve to become a top player.
"I don't think it was like the first time when I scored against Aston Villa, but obviously I was very happy and still am," he said. "I see it as a good step on the way, but I just want to keep improving and keep being better.
"I know I'm not finished the article or what you say over here, but I just want to keep going and keep becoming even better and I'm sure I'll get even better and score even more goals if I just focus on that."
Hojlund continued: "I think it comes down to my performances as well. I think I've not been on top of my game as I wanted to, and we're still adapting to a new system and some new positions.
"But I think I've been growing into it lately and starting to look a bit better. Just happy to get on a score sheet today and I'm sure they will come more now.
"I think we're starting to get a bit more connection between myself and the players, and then starting to understand what my qualities are even more, and playing to them as well. I'm developing and to understand their qualities as well, and that's what the manager wants. He wants us to play to our strengths, and now we're starting to find each other even better."
Hojlund ended a 21-game goal drought with a brilliantly taken goal against Leicester, and it was the type of finish produced by a striker in tremendous goalscoring form.
Hojlund needed a goal = and scored against Leicester.
So you wouldn't have thought Hojlund had been struggling in front of goal. He found the bottom corner with power and the importance of the goal to a Hojlund was written across his face as he celebrated with his teammates.
His expressions were the giveaway that he'd finally ended a barren run, and it felt similar to his goal against Aston Villa in December 2023, which he referenced in the mixed zone.
After Hojlund's goal against Villa last season, he scored six in his next five league games against Tottenham, Wolves, West Ham, Villa again and Luton Town.
Hojlund's purple patch coincided with United's best run of the campaign and results worsened when he sustained a muscle injury against Luton that ruled him out for a few weeks.
The 22-year-old was one of the most in-form strikers at the beginning of last year and it all started after his first league goal. Hojlund developed a rhythm and hopefully will find his groove again in the coming games after his much-needed goal against Leicester.
Strikers are streaky creatures. Once a goal comes, a spurt of goals often follow, and ending the season strongly must be Hojlund's priority after an underwhelming few months at United.
Hojlund has taken backward steps after a successful debut campaign at Old Trafford, but United have collectively underperformed and the service to the attackers has been consistently poor.
There have been some mitigating factors for Hojlund's lack of goals, yet it was refreshing to hear the striker admit he must do more and take responsibility for his performances. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Hojlund rediscover his goalscoring form after finally ending his barren run. He seems like a confidence player and his goal would have done him the world of good.