Rasmus Hojlund matches Premier League record set by Nicolas Anelka

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester United at Villa Park on February 11, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Rasmus Hojlund is in the form of his life, with the Denmark international scoring in his fifth consecutive Premier League appearance on Sunday.

Hojlund gave Manchester United an early lead against Aston Villa at Villa Park, ensuring he has now scored in six of his last seven appearances in all competitions – quite the turnaround from the form that preceded this scoring run.

Despite his long barren run, the feeling was always that once the first one came, the rest would follow and that is exactly what has happened.

The former Atalanta star’s performances were never in question, he just couldn’t get the ball in the net. Now, that component has fallen into place and he’s a free-scoring goal-machine.

In fact, his strike at Villa Park has matched a Premier League record. Hojlund, at 21, has become the youngest player since Nicolas Anelka to score in five straight Premier League games.

The Frenchman did so at the age of 19 at Arsenal but in current form, Hojlund will be backing himself to go on an even longer scoring run, potentially writing his name into the Premier League record books for real.

He has now scored 11 goals in all competitions this season and if he ends the campaign at 20 goals, you wouldn’t believe that he endured a long drought.

That is a conservative goal at this rate, however, and it’s entirely plausible that he will surpass that tally in the final three months of the season.

Next up, United face a trip to newly-promoted Luton Town. The London side have impressed this season but Erik ten Hag has the chance to seal a four-game winning streak.

More Stories Aston Villa Erik ten Hag Manchester United Premier League Rasmus Hojlund Scott McTominay