Rasmus Hojlund feels fit and ready after the Manchester United striker scored his first Premier League goal of the season in Saturday’s 2-1 win against Brentford as he continues to put an injury-disrupted start to the season behind him.
Having shown promise during a stop-start first campaign with his boyhood club, the 21-year-old wants to hit the ground running now to show his worth to the fans.
But those hopes were dashed early on when Hojlund sustained an injury setback in a pre-season clash against Premier League rivals Arsenal. The hamstring injury ruled the Denmark international out for nearly two months.
Hojlund got on the scoresheet against Brentford on Saturday with a beautiful finish. The goal was teed up by Bruno Fernandes before Hojlund dinked the ball over the goalkeeper.
It was Hojlund’s first Premier League goal since returning to fitness and he’ll be hoping it’s not long before he adds to that account again.
“The injury has been annoying and it was an annoying time to get it, but obviously I feel great now and feel ready to move on,” Hojlund said, as quoted by The Independent.
“I tried to focus on (the fact) that I’m very privileged to be a professional footballer.
“Obviously, there’s downsides and upsides, and we get critics, but also sometimes we are superstars but all in all, I’m living the dream every day.
“I’m playing for Manchester United and having the number nine on the back for Manchester United. It’s a good life.
“I just tried to focus on that part and then also I could focus on everything else, trying to be even fitter for when I come back, doing my recovery even better. I think I’m in a great spot right now.”
Rasmus Hojlund enjoying Ruud’s influence
Hojlund was also asked about the influence Ruud van Nistelrooy is having on him, after the Dutch legend joined the coaching staff in the summer.
“Everybody’s asking me this question,” Hojlund added.
“Yes, obviously, he’s helping us every day, but he’s also helping the defence and the midfield.
“He’s a very good assistant coach, but obviously he’s a great striker.
“You’re trying to learn everything about him and all these sort of things.
“I haven’t had that long time to learn from him yet because I haven’t been back for a little more than a month or so. But obviously, he’s given me a lot of good advice.”
Next up for United is a trip to Istanbul in the Europa League where Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce will be waiting to blow another dent in our European campaign.