Rasmus Hojlund made the difference when Denmark took on Portugal in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
Manchester United had multiple international players involved as Denmark beat Portugal 1-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final.
Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot featured in Roberto Martinez’s starting line-up for the visiting Portuguese, with former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo spearheading their attack.
In the Denmark line-up, Christian Eriksen got the nod from the start, while Rasmus Hojlund and Patrick Dorgu were used as substitutes.
It was a good night for United considering all of the players came away from international action without any fresh injuries or niggles. Ruben Amorim has already lost key players to injuries in recent weeks and won’t want to be making a habit of it.
Injuries could derail United’s season completely and there’s still the Europa League to play for after reaching the quarter-final stages of the competition.
Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images
Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images
Brian Riemer impressed by Rasmus Hojlund goal
It was Rasmus Hojlund who scored the only goal as Denmark beat Portugal.
After ending his goalscoring drought in United’s 3-0 win over Leicester City, Hojlund made it three goal contributions in his last three games for club and country.
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Denmark manager Brian Riemer was happy to see two of his substitutes link up to ensure they came away from the game at Parken with the win. They needed it after Eriksen missed an opportunity from the penalty spot in the first half.
The hosts had to wait until 78 minutes had passed on the clock to score as Andreas Skov Olsen directed a low cross to the back post, where Hojlund directed it back across the goal to give his side an advantage in the tie.
Speaking to reporters after the match, as quoted by Danish outlet Tipsbladet, Riemer stated that Hojlund’s goal came straight from the training ground.
“It was completely rehearsed and practised,” Riemer said about Hojlund’s winner against Portugal.
“It was played almost to perfection. It makes a coach extra happy to succeed with something you work on on the training field.”
Denmark will aim to get the job done against Portugal on Sunday in Lisbon.
Hojlund on an upward trajectory
After a 21-match run without a goal, Hojlund is starting to play with confidence again and it showed again last night in the Nations League.
Hojlund’s goal against Spain makes it three goal contributions in his last three games for club and country, with goals scored in back-to-back matches.
Games Goals Assists
39 8 2
Rasmus Hojlund stats this season
It shows the underfire striker is on an upward trajectory, which bodes well for United towards the end of the season. United’s Premier League campaign may be over, but all of Amorim’s eggs have been put into the Europa League basket.
Hojlund is hitting form at a good time for United, but only time will tell if their patience will be rewarded.