Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes Rasmus Hojlund has a crucial role to play against Brighton & Hove Albion today.
Hojlund made his debut in the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal, coming on as a substitute around the 70th minute.
Ten Hag revealed that the £64 million-rated star striker is eager to perform in front of the Old Trafford today.
He told ManUtd.com: “I hope Rasmus is really important in this game. He’s so excited. It’s his first time [playing at] Old Trafford.
“He’s looking forward to it. He’s so excited – he wants to [feel] the reception, experience the reception from the fans, from Old Trafford, and that’s incredible, isn’t it?
“And as he is a really big Manchester United fan as a young kid, so it is amazing for him to enter Old Trafford tomorrow with our home fans and I’m sure they will all be behind him and behind the team.”
Having Hojlund lead the line gives the Red Devils a physical and dynamic presence up front.
Anthony Martial started the previous two games in the number nine spot but offered no threat.
It has been over two years since he last completed 90 minutes.
United’s new number 11 showed glimpses of his breakneck pace and strength against the Gunners.
It was an impressive cameo from the Dane, and United supporters will be excited to see him at Old Trafford today.
The Red Devils have been guilty of making poor stop-gap striker signings in recent history.
Odion Ighalo, Radamel Falcao and Wout Weghorst are on that list.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani had better spells but came in at the tail-end of their careers.
Hojlund is different – he is young, looks hungry and hasenormouse potential.
Ten Hag has his man fit and ready.
