Rasmus Hojlund capped Manchester United’s thrilling fightback from two goals down as the Denmark striker netted for the first time in the Premier League to seal a dramatic 3-2 win against Aston Villa on Tuesday.
Erik ten Hag’s side were in danger of another damaging defeat when goals from John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker put Villa in control by half-time at Old Trafford.
United were booed off at the interval but they staged a much-needed revival, sparked by Alejandro Garnacho scoring their first goal in seven hours and twenty minutes.
Garnacho struck again to equalise before Hojlund finally ended his goal drought with eight minutes left.
It was Hojlund’s maiden league goal for United in his 15th appearance and his sixth in all competitions since his August move from Atalanta.
Hojlund’s cathartic strike ended United’s four-match winless run in all competitions and lifted them to sixth in the Premier League.
“At half-time I said to the team, ‘keep believing’. The atmosphere changed a lot from the first half to the second,” Ten Hag said.
“If we play our best we can beat anyone. Even when you are two-nil down, it doesn’t matter. Keep going, show character. Today they showed we have the personality to do it.”
Two games without a win have dented Villa’s unexpected title challenge.
United’s victory came in front of INEOS director of sport Dave Brailsford, who was in the directors box in the first sign of British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe’s involvement after buying a 25 percent stake on Christmas Eve.
Two games without a win have dented Villa’s unexpected title challenge.
Unai Emery’s men remain third, three points behind Liverpool after their first defeat in 11 matches in all competitions.
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