Manchester United suffered another dismal night in the Champions League on Wednesday, slipping to a 4-3 defeat against FC Copenhagen at Parken. And with just three points from four games in Group A, United look set to cut short an incredible European campaign from their new striker.
Hojlund scored twice in the opening half-hour to seemingly send United on their way to a comfortable three points in the Danish capital.
But Marcus Rashford’s 42nd-minute red card changed the game, leading to a dramatic loss that leaves the Red Devils on the brink of a Group A exit.
It would be an incredible shame to see Hojlund’s impressive exploits go to waste by United dropping into the Europa League or out of Europe entirely.
The 20-year-old striker is already breaking records just a few months into his Old Trafford career, becoming United’s fastest-ever player to reach five Champions League goals.
He also netted in the 4-3 defeat at Bayern Munich in the opening gameweek and a brace as United lost 3-2 against Galatasaray in their second outing.
Click here to join our Man Utd WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive Red Devils news.
Cantona scored five goals in 16 such games, Dimitar Berbatov in 25. Anthony Martial has only managed six in 32 Champions League appearances.
Among Hojlund’s other team-mates, Jadon Sancho has scored just once in seven Champions League outings. And he’s proving to be a worthy successor to Mason Greenwood in the No 11 shirt.
Greenwood, on loan at Getafe this season, only scored two goals in 10 games in the competition at a similar age to Hojlund.
Hojlund’s five goals in four Champions League appearances already levels the tally of team-mate Bruno Fernandes, whose penalty against Copenhagen was his fifth goal in 17 Champions League games.
Hojlund looks born to play on the biggest stage, and United will expect plenty more contributions for years to come if he continues to refine his skillset.
The Denmark international will be firmly eyeing breaking his Premier League duck, having failed to score in his first eight games in the competition.
Luton Town visit Old Trafford on Saturday before the November international break. On the back of another eye-catching display in Europe, Hojlund will be confident in making an impact.
In the Champions League, United travel to Galatasaray next time out before hosting Group A winners Bayern Munich in M16. Both are crucial.
