Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has heaped praise on Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund following his stoppage time goal against Newport County in the FA Cup fourth round.
The Red Devils cruised into an early two-goal lead at Rodney Parade. Alejandro Garnacho could have made it 3-0 in their favour. The Argentine hit the woodwork with his effort.
Newport reduced the deficit out of the blue with a stellar 25-yard strike before levelling the scores after the break. United managed to pull ahead through Antony in the 68th minute.
They were hanging on for a victory in the closing stages before Hojlund eased the pressure with a 94th-minute goal. Speaking after the game, Shearer was delighted for the young Dane.
The Magpies legend said that the striker toiled and deserved his goal as he never stopped, he told BBC Sport: “I thought he toiled and did well up front and he deserved his goal for everything he did, he never stopped all afternoon. You’ve got to keep going and he deserved it.”
Hojlund has not had much service in the final third since his arrival at Old Trafford. Against Newport, it was a similar theme in the second half as United found themselves in the back seat.
The Dane still managed 41 touches and 19 successful passes. Aside from his goal, he provided two key passes and won 100 per cent of his take-ons against the League Two outfit.
United were always expected to beat Newport, but they had to work hard for the result after some poor defensive decisions. Casemiro struggled to provide the control in midfield.
The Brazilian has just returned after a lengthy hamstring injury and does not appear ready enough. We won’t be surprised if he is dropped to the bench against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Meanwhile, Hojlund has started to find his feet with four goal contributions in his last four games. United need him in peak form in the coming months to qualify for Europe and win the FA Cup.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
