Players ratings: Hojlund and Garnacho were the best around Old Trafford

Rasmus Hojlund orchestrated a stunning turnaround for Manchester United, clinching his maiden Premier League goal and sparking discussions about the club’s £64 million investment in the promising Danish striker. His prior five goals in the Champions League Group further validated his worth, offering answers on Tuesday night.

 

In the 81st minute, Hojlund’s decisive volley completed the comeback from a 2-0 deficit, eliciting visible emotion from the player and moving his father to tears in the stands. Despite Old Trafford facing criticism from rival fans, it showcased its capacity to generate magical moments.

 

INEOS Sporting Director Dave Brailsford, representing Chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who recently acquired a 25 percent stake in the club, bore witness to the transformation. What started as a lackluster first half evolved into a memorable night for Manchester United.

 

In a challenging season marked by setbacks, the Red Devils opted not to gloss over their struggles. Aston Villa secured a two-goal lead in the initial half-hour, with 19-year-old Argentine talent Alejandro Garnacho scoring twice in the 59th and 71st minutes.

 

Hojlund’s magical moment in the second half reshaped the narrative, emphasizing a stark contrast between the halves, particularly against a side with genuine title-winning aspirations.

Entering the game on the back of a disappointing 2-0 defeat to West Ham, Manchester United faced their worst start to a season since 1930 in terms of total defeats. The 13th loss seemed imminent as Aston Villa took control with goals from John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker in the initial half.