Rasmus Hojlund rescues Manchester United with dramatic late winner
Manchester United came from two goals down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 at Old Trafford on Tuesday, with Rasmus Hojlund scoring the winning goal in the 82nd minute.
⏱️ 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘: 👹 Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa 🦁 #MUNAVL #MUFC #PL pic.twitter.com/zqoICKMQLD
— Match Spoots (@matchspoots) December 26, 2023
The Red Devils looked to be heading for another damaging defeat after goals from John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker put Villa in control by half-time.
However, United staged a remarkable comeback in the second half, inspired by Alejandro Garnacho who scored twice to equalize the score. With eight minutes remaining, Hojlund finally netted his first Premier League goal for the club to seal a dramatic victory.
United’s dismal form before the match
United’s winless run in all competitions stretched to four games before the match, and they had lost 13 games in all competitions this season, their most before Christmas since 1930.
The pressure was mounting on manager Erik ten Hag, who was perceived to be fighting to keep his job. However, the arrival of British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, who agreed to buy a 25 percent stake in United for £1.03 billion ($1.3 billion) on Christmas Eve, provided a much-needed boost.
A sloppy start for United
United’s flaws were exposed once again in the first half. They conceded the opening goal in the 21st minute when John McGinn’s inswinging free-kick found its way into the far corner untouched.
Five minutes later, they fell two goals behind when Leander Dendoncker back-heeled a deft finish past David de Gea after Clement Lenglet had headed the ball across the box.
Garnacho sparks the comeback
United desperately needed a goal early in the second half, and Garnacho provided it in the 59th minute when he tapped in Marcus Rashford’s low cross.
Onana made a crucial save from Leon Bailey’s volley to keep United in the game, and they snatched an equalizer in the 71st minute when Garnacho’s strike from 10 yards hit Diego Carlos and deflected past Emiliano Martinez.
Hojlund’s moment of redemption
With the score tied at 2-2, United defender Jonny Evans cleared McGinn’s shot off the line. However, moments later, a United corner deflected off McGinn towards Hojlund, who swivelled to volley the ball in off the post.
Hojlund’s goal sparked wild celebrations from the Dane and his team-mates, and it ultimately proved to be the winner as United held on for a vital three points.
What the win means for United ?
The win was a major boost for United’s morale and confidence, and it ended their four-match winless run in all competitions. It also lifted them to sixth place in the Premier League table, just six points behind leaders Liverpool.
For Ten Hag, the win was a much-needed one, and it will likely ease some of the pressure on him. With Ratcliffe’s investment now confirmed, United can look forward to a brighter future under the Dutchman’s leadership.
Manchester United’s win over Aston Villa was a dramatic and much-needed one. The Red Devils showed great character to come back from two goals down to win the game, and they will be hoping to use this victory as a springboard for success in the second half of the season.
