Rasmus Hojlund Impresses On EPL Debut For Manchester United Despite Late Loss At Arsenal

Rasmus Hojlund made an impressive Premier League debut for Manchester United in Sunday's 3-1 defeat away at Arsenal. Hojlund came on in the 66th minute.

Rasmus Hojlund made his Premier League debut for Manchester United in Sunday's 3-1 defeat away at Arsenal.

Marcus Rashford fired United in front against the run of play in the 27th minute before Martin Odegaard equalized 111 seconds later.

Alejandro Garnacho thought he had won the game for United in the 89th minute but he was denied by a VAR review that found he had been marginally offside.

Arsenal then rubbed salt into United wounds by netting twice in added time courtesy of Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus.

Rasmus Hojlund Makes EPL Debut For Man Utd

Despite the disappointing result, United fans will have been encouraged by an impressive cameo from Hojlund.

The 20-year-old Denmark international, wearing the no.11 squad number he had been officially designated earlier in the day, entered the action as a substitute in the 66th minute.

Rasmus Hojlund made his Premier League debut for Manchester United on Sunday :: IMAGO/PA Images/John Walton

He almost scored with his first touch six minutes later.

Hojlund attempted to divert a cross from Rashford into the net using his left heel but Arsenal center-back Gabriel blocked his effort inside the six-yard box.

This was one of multiple battles between Hojlund and Gabriel, who appeared to be well up for the challenge of marking United's new £72 million striker.

But Hojlund was not deterred by Gabriel's physical approach and he got the better of the Brazilian in impressive fashion to start an attacking move that almost led to a second goal for Rashford.

Hojlund more than held his own in a physical battle with Arsenal defender Gabriel :: IMAGO/PA Images/John Walton

As well as showcasing his strength during Sunday's brief cameo, Hojlund's speed did not go unnoticed.

In the 78th minute, Hojlund sprinted forward in an effort to support a Rashford-led counter-attack.

Rashford eventually gave the ball away, but only after Hojlund had covered 60 yards in six seconds from a standing start.

Another clash between Hojlund and Gabriel had United manager Erik ten Hag screaming for a penalty kick in the 87th minute.

It would have been a soft spot-kick if referee Anthony Taylor had agreed with Ten Hag.

But there was nothing soft about Hojlund's first appearance in a United shirt.

"I think Rasmus Hojlund had a very good impact on the game," Ten Hag told Sky Sports after the match.

Hojlund's most impressive contribution probably came in the 89th minute when his backheeled pass found Casemiro, who set up Garnacho for United's disallowed goal.

As long as he stays fit between now and September 16, Hojlund will almost certainly now start United's next game - at home against Brighton after the international break.

Hojlund's Stats Against Arsenal

• 35 minutes
• 10 touches
• 1 shot
• 4 passes
• 1 foul

Not our day today, but an encouraging debut for Rasmus Hojlund.#MUFC || #ARSMUN pic.twitter.com/SspvbFIjuZ

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 3, 2023