Paul Scholes says Man Utd player was lucky to be on the pitch vs Aston Villa

Paul Scholes said one Manchester United player was lucky to have been on the pitch against Aston Villa.

On Boxing Day, two goals from Alejandro Garnacho and a late winner from £72million summer signing Rasmus Hojlund saw United complete a dramatic second-half comeback against Villa.

Ten Hag’s men had been booed off at half-time as goals from John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker put Unai Emery's in-form Villa side in complete control.

But Hojlund’s winner, his first league goal in his 15th Premier League appearance, helped United to a landmark victory.

However, it is thought that Ten Hag had been planning to substitute Hojlund in the second half before his 82nd-minute goal, only to leave him on and replace Marcus Rashford after the latter picked up a knock.

And after the game, Scholes noted that Hojlund was “lucky to be on the pitch” to swipe home his goal.

“He does get a little bit of luck with the goal,” United legend Scholes told Premier League Productions after the game.

“He’s lucky he’s on the pitch. But as Michael [Owen] said, I think it’s always best when you have not been scoring goals, to not have time about it and act on instinct.

“He has no time whatsoever [with the goal]. It happens in a flash of a second. The only thing he is thinking about is the far corner, it’s the only place he can score.

“Look, I’m so happy for the lad. It’s been a tough start to his Premier League career. Hopefully, he can get up and running and score the goals he deserves to score.”

Scholes also singled out both Rashford and midfielder Christian Eriksen for praise following the win.

The ex-United midfielder said: “Tonight they looked a real threat after the first 25 minutes. For the last hour, they looked like they could score goals.

“Marcus Rashford looked a little back to his best. There was a bit more life in him. Alejandro Garnacho got the two goals, and Rasmus Hojlund got a goal.

“You have to remember a lot of these players are young lads and are going to be inconsistent. But now they have to really build on this.

“Christian Eriksen coming back into the team makes a big difference.”

United have risen to sixth in the Premier League table while Aston Villa are rooted in third, having missed the opportunity to move level on points with league leaders Liverpool.

Topics: Paul Scholes, Manchester United, Rasmus Hojlund, Football

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.