Ex-Manchester United star Paul Scholes believes that Rasmus Hojlund was ‘lucky to be on the pitch’ when he scored the Red Devils’ winner against Aston Villa. Erik ten Hag’s side came from behind to secure a crucial three points in a late performance that suggests the players are truly fighting for their manager.
United endured a miserable start to the proceedings at Old Trafford, with John McGinn opening the scoring for Villa in the 21st minute when his cross found the far corner from distance. Leander Dendoncker then doubled his side’s lead just five minutes later after converting from close range following a well-worked corner routine saw him teed up by Clement Lenglet.
Ten Hag then managed to rally his troops during the half-time break, with Alejandro Garnacho coming to his manager’s rescue. The winger halved United’s deficit in the 59th minute before levelling the match 12 minutes later with a sweet strike with his left foot.
United then completed their comeback in the 82nd minute when Hojlund opened his account in the Premier League – directing his strike in off of the post after a penalty-area scramble. Despite being the hero on the day, Scholes felt that the Danish international should have been substituted off the pitch prior to the match-winning goal.
He told Premier League Productions: “He does get a little bit of luck with the goal. He’s lucky he’s on the pitch. 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.”
