RASMUS DROUGHT OF THE STARTING BLOCKS

YOU wait 15 appearances for a Premier League goal, then two come along in successive games.

Rasmus Hojlund, 20, had to be patient for his first league goal for United, a late winner in a thrilling 3-2 comeback win against Aston Villa on Boxing Day. But, having broken his Premier League duck with that dramatic strike, Hojlund provided further proof here that he has finally adapted to the unique demands of the English game.

A goal – a thumping finish into the roof of the net after three minutes – and an assist for Marcus Rashford represented a decent shift from United’s £72million summer signing.

When United signed Denmark international Hojlund from Atalanta for such a high fee, they were accused of panic buying.

United – and boss Erik ten Hag in particular – insisted they were buying a player for the long term, one who would need time to develop but ultimately flourish. Despite that reasoning, Ten Hag and the United hierarchy must have had considerable concern the longer Hojlund’s league drought went on.

The Danish attacker’s wasteful display in United’s 2-0 FA Cup win at League One Wigan last Monday, when he could have had a hat-trick but failed to score, served to underline those concerns.

But here, Hojlund (left) continued the progress he has shown in recent weeks.

Just before the hour, he won a corner, then motioned to the Stretford End to raise the decibel level to help United plunder a winner.

Such commitment has endeared him to fans but he will need to keep scoring to win them over completely.