Merson explains why he believes one United ace ‘will be a superstar’ after Villa Park display

Manchester United's Danish striker #11 Rasmus Hojlund (C) amd Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder #18 Casemiro (R) warm up ahead of during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Manchester United at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on February 11, 2024. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /

After a slow start to life in England, Rasmus Hojlund is making quite the name for himself at Manchester United.

The 21-year-old endured a tedious 14-game wait before opening his Premier League account on Boxing Day and given that United had forked out an initial £64 million for his signature, rival fans were rubbing their hands together at the thought of Hojlund failing to crack the top division.

Now on a run of five goals in as many league matches, Hojlund’s critics have become awfully quiet. The youngster has found his feet and finally looks like the clinical No.9 Erik ten Hag has been crying out for since he took the reins at Old Trafford, which makes it clear why he was so adamant about acquiring his services last summer.

Merson believes Hojlund has a high ceiling

His latest contribution came last night when the Dane opened the scoring and silenced Villa Park in a pivotal clash with Unai Emery’s Champions League-chasing Villans, and Paul Merson reckons he’s seen enough to know Hojlund is a special prospect.

“I like him,” the former Arsenal attacker said. “He’s got confidence now, football’s all about confidence. I think he will be a superstar.”

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