Rasmus Hojlund steals the show in Luton’s victory

Rasmus Hojlund steals the show in Luton’s victory, as Harry Styles watches.

In the directors’ box at Kenilworth Road, Harry Styles added a dash of celebrity, but Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, was left rejoicing over his own latest big-name signing, Rasmus Hojlund.

In this tough 2-1 victory over Luton Town, Styles—a United supporter who is currently a solo superstar following his incredible achievements with One Direction—played the part of an adoring fan as Hojlund proved that he might be the real deal by scoring in his sixth straight Premier League game.

As Styles sat locked in conversation with Luton’s battle-hardened chief recruitment officer Mick Harford before the game, heads and phone camera flashlights may have turned toward him, but Hojlund stole the show and won the praise of the world-famous Dane.

And how much more to United’s win than first glance, and how much they needed Hojlund. This was a genuine fight at times, until Luton’s approach was all fire and brimstone, all in the gorgeous setting of “The Kenny.”

It took the striker, a £72 million summer sign from Atalanta, until Boxing Day to score his first Premier League goal, but his work ethic and work ethic was always evident and has now been reinforced by goals. Many of them.

Although Luton defender Amari’i Bell gave him a gift by erring in just 37 seconds, he still needed to maintain composure to get past home goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski and finish the job.

Together with Eric Cantona, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ruud van Nistelrooy, Hojlund’s name is now part of an elite group of United players to score in six straight Premier League games.

It was United’s fastest Premier League goal away from home, and Hojlund broke Newcastle’s record by becoming the youngest player to score in six straight league games at the age of 21 years and 14 days.

If the Dane’s first goal showed the composure of a goalscorer, his second, coming after only seven minutes, displayed remarkable creativity and quick thinking as he used his chest to deflect Alejandro Garnacho’s effort beyond Kaminski.

Ten Hag stated, “We recruited him on his character,” indicating that he was confident in his high-dollar acquisition. It was strong, I knew that. As a striker for Manchester United, you need someone who can perform well under pressure, and he has it. He never becomes anxious or loses self-assurance.”

Although following some of their performances this season, it has frequently seemed improbable, Hojlund is undoubtedly giving his squad the momentum they need to contend for the top four and a spot in the Champions League next season.

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Ten Hag stated, “I think we are back in the race,” following his team’s fourth straight league victory, so it is undoubtedly at the top of his mind. We’re gaining ground. Each match is a final to draw nearer to the opposing teams.”

This was the better part of the first half played by the visitors. Even though Ten Hag’s team won and are now just five points behind Aston Villa in fourth place, there are still a lot of reasons to be concerned.

As demonstrated most recently by their losses to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the league and League Two Newport County in the FA Cup, United has a terrible tendency to lose games they seem to be in control of.

Here it occurred once more.

Instead of being dejected after losing 2-0, Luton relentlessly attacked United’s weaknesses. And after 14 minutes, Carlton Morris bundled home a header, finding plenty of them.

Concerns were raised by the way Harry Maguire and Casemiro were played; the England defender was reduced to a crude, agricultural block on Morris as he raced past him, earning a well-earned booking. Casemiro’s lack of influence saw him flirt with a second yellow card, so it was understandable that both players were substituted at halftime.

Amidst the chaos, Ten Hag’s team found another young leader in Kobbie Mainoo, who gives them golden hope for the future.

Mainoo was exceptional for a player only eighteen years old. He had a level of maturity well beyond his youthful years and a level of control that surpassed many of his teammates with far greater experience. He was calm and composed when in possession and had a superb pass-picking skill.

Gary Lineker agreed wholeheartedly with former England striker Ian Wright’s assertion that the midfielder ought to be included in the team for the upcoming March friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

Although Mainoo’s next step up from the England Under-19s may be up in age, Wright’s call does not seem overly extreme given how much to like about his style of play, approach, and ability to influence events.

Before a big tournament, there’s always a place for a “bolter,” the player who appears out of nowhere and arrives late to the team. Is Mainoo going to represent England in the summer at Euro 2024 in Germany?

Ghana’s desire to grab the young midfield player is known to the Football Association. Based on this evidence, as well as the evidence from almost every game he has participated in, England will be determined to hold onto this treasure.

In this mixed-race performance, Hojlund and Mainoo stole the show, even surpassing the admiring celebrity who was having a nice day in Bedfordshire.