Rasmus Hojlund finally scores first Premier League goal for Man Utd, there was pure relief inside Old Trafford

Rasmus Hojlund finally opened his Premier League account for Manchester United against Aston Villa - and the feeling of relief across Old Trafford was incredible.

The Danish forward had gone 14 matches without a league goal for United, despite some encouraging displays in the Champions League.

But with United having come from 2-0 down to level the scores at 2-2 against Villa thanks to a brace from Alejandro Garnacho, they needed one more hero - and found it.

With a turn, swivel and left-footed finish, Hojlund watched on from 12 yards as the ball hit the post and went into the back of the net.

After his move from Atalanta for £72 million in the summer, pressure had been increasing on the forward after his domestic goal drought - especially amid the squad's struggles going forward.

Rasmus Hojlund has his first Premier League goal! ⚽️

Bruno Fernandes' corner is eventually turned home and Man Utd lead against Aston Villa#PLonPrime #MUNAVL pic.twitter.com/28HZx7I3pT

— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 26, 2023

It was the relief that was profound, but Old Trafford erupted as their big-money summer signing finally got his moment in front of the home support.

More importantly, it brought back memories of the Sir Alex Ferguson days, when comebacks would be more commonplace than they have been under Erik ten Hag this season.

And it also evoked comparisons - although they are at different stages at their careers - of Federico Macheda, who famously scored a winner for United in similar circumstances against Villa back in 2009.

Hojlund will hope this goal is the first of many in a United shirt at Old Trafford, with the 20-year-old having already shown glimpses of his potential with five goals in six Champions League games for the club this term.

The Dane was withdrawn from the action several minutes after his goal as United looked to shore up defensively, with fellow youngster Willy Kambwala replacing him and slotting in as an extra centre-back.

But he had done his job at Old Trafford, helping United to avoid a fourth defeat in six Premier League games and lifting them back up to sixth place in the Premier League table - now five points behind fourth-placed Tottenham having played a game more.

More to follow...