Rasmus Hojlund's copying of Cristiano Ronaldo's trademark celebration could have been seen as disrespect among present and former Manchester United stars
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Rasmus Hojlund of Denmark during a UEFA Nations League game
Rasmus Hojlund has cleared up why he copied Man United legend Cristiano Ronaldo's trademark celebration
(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund has cleared up the meaning behind his copying of Cristiano Ronaldo's trademark celebration after scoring Denmark's winner against Portugal on Thursday.
Heading into the international break with confidence after breaking his 23-game goal drought for Man United, it was unfortunate that Hojlund found himself on the bench for Brian Reimer's Denmark as they played the first of two legs in a UEFA Nations League play-off.
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On the opposite side started Old Trafford legend Ronaldo alongside current stars Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot.
The meeting remained goalless as Hojlund was introduced in the 69th minute and it took little time for him to make his impact with the winning goal, wheeling away in celebration - for which he copied Ronaldo's trademark 'siu' celebration with the 40-year-old watching on upfield.
"I’m playing against the world’s best footballer, my idol, and to score a goal and win the match... it couldn’t be better," Man United's No.11 told TV2 via Fotbollskanalen.
Confirming that he meant no disrespect with his actions, Hojlund added: "It’s for my idol. It’s not like I’m mocking him or anything. I’ve just always said that he has a lot of importance to me and my football career.
"It’s maybe a bit ambivalent, but scoring against him and Portugal is huge. I was there and saw him in 2009 when he scored from a free kick and I’ve been a fan ever since.
With his goal against Leicester City last Sunday and an assist against Real Sociedad before that, the striker is starting to find form at a good time for Man United.
Even if Ruben Amorim's side have little to play for, a positive end to the campaign will help to boost morale before the new manager can truly begin to oversee real change with his squad at Old Trafford.
Hojlund will wish to stay in the goals and has the opportunity to do so in the reverse leg of Denmark's tie with Portugal, which is to be played in Lisbon on Sunday night.
The winner will progress to the Nations League semi-finals for a match against either Italy or Germany.
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