‘I liked what I saw’: Henrik Larsson excited by one new Man United player

Henrik Larsson, the former Manchester United striker and iconic figure in football, expresses his admiration for Rasmus Hojlund’s early performances at the Premier League club.

Larsson, renowned for his impressive career with Celtic, Barcelona, and the Swedish national team, closely observed Hojlund during Manchester United’s Champions League match against Copenhagen, praising the £63 million summer signing for his notable attributes.

Despite not finding the net in that game, Hojlund exhibited the qualities of a true centre-forward, showcasing presence, physicality, intelligent movement, and an overall impressive performance.

Larsson, who had a brief stint with Manchester United in 2007, shares his positive observations, emphasizing the striker’s speed, willingness to penetrate the opponent’s defense, and physical presence.

Larsson acknowledges that it will take time for Hojlund to settle into the club and build chemistry with teammates but expresses hope that the young striker can become a valuable asset for Manchester United.

Hojlund’s notable achievements include scoring all five of his United goals in the Champions League, showcasing his prowess in European competition.

The former Manchester United player stresses the importance of a striker’s ability to hold up the ball and maintain possession, especially when playing as a lone striker.

Larsson appreciates Hojlund’s skill set, which includes the crucial ability to keep possession, assess teammates’ positions, and execute strategic plays, such as playing the ball back to advancing midfielders.

Considering the prevalence of systems with three forwards, Larsson believes that Hojlund’s physical presence enables him to excel in both holding up the ball and making penetrating runs.

Despite the challenges of playing as a lone striker, Larsson sees Hojlund as possessing the necessary qualities to succeed in various tactical setups.

Hojlund’s impressive performances have earned him a nomination for Denmark’s Player of the Year award, potentially adding another milestone to his promising career.