Rasmus Hojlund said he was ‘the happiest man alive’ after his first Premier League goal crowned a dramatic Manchester United comeback win over Aston Villa.
On the day that new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wrote to fans declaring his ambitions, INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford watched from the stands at Old Trafford as United were booed after going two goals behind.
But Alejandro Garnacho fired United level and Hojlund got his first league goal at the 15th attempt to snatch a 3-2 victory in the 82nd minute.
‘I’m the happiest man alive right now,’ said Hojlund. ‘You can see in the celebrations as well. We believed until the end and we showed a lot of character.
‘It’s one of the best days of my life. It’s been a while in the Premier League now so I’m happy to get the first one and hopefully I can build on that and keep going.’
Rasmus Hojlund proclaimed himself the ‘happiest man alive’ after netting his first Premier League goal
Hojlund’s strike combined with an Alejandro Garnacho brace saw United come back from 2-0 down to defeat Aston Villa st Old Trafford
‘It’s a great feeling,’ said the young Argentina international. ‘We are Manchester United, we are 2-0 down, and we never give up. It’s a great comeback from the team.
‘We needed just one goal to be back in the game. It was just to get the first goal and keep pushing. Too many people talk about the strikers in Manchester United, we never score goals, so I’m very happy for Rasmus also.’
The timing couldn’t have been better for under-pressure manager Erik ten Hag after Ratcliffe’s purchase of 25 per cent of the club for £1.3billion was announced on Christmas Eve following a strategic review lasting 13 months.
‘I don’t think it has had an impact on the players,’ said Ten Hag.
‘For me, I was kept informed in the whole process, so I knew what was going on. We’re looking forward. I think it is positive for the club that they are stepping in.
‘They have a lot of experience in sport at the highest level: Formula One, a cycling team, football clubs. They can only help us and support us to get our targets. They want to work with us and we want to work with them.’
Earlier in the day, Ratcliffe wrote to fans promising to do everything he can to take United back to the pinnacle of world football.
The INEOS owner addressed the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust and members of the Fans’ Forum and Fans’ Advisory Board, acknowledging INEOS’s role as ‘custodians of the club on your behalf’.
The 71-year-old spelt out his ambition to bring success back to Old Trafford, saying: ‘I wanted to write to you at this time given the critical role of the fans to the future of Manchester United as we recognise our responsibility as custodians of the club on your behalf.
‘I believe we can bring sporting success on the pitch to complement the undoubted commercial success that the club has enjoyed. It will require time and patience alongside rigour and the highest level of professional management.
‘You are ambitious for Manchester United and so are we. There are no guarantees in sport and change can inevitably take time, but we are in it for the long-term and together we want to help take Manchester United back to where the club belongs, at the very top of English, European and world football. I take that responsibility very seriously.
‘Please note that, as with any deal, it is subject to the usual regulatory sign-off process and therefore we do not expect to speak publicly about club matters until after the deal has been completed.’
Speaking following the game the Argentine insisted he was elated for Hojlund to get on the scoresheet