When Rasmus Hojlund limped off after scoring against Arsenal in Los Angeles this summer, few expected it would take another two months before the Manchester United striker returned to action.

That day, Leny Yoro’s broken metatarsal on his debut overshadowed Hojlund’s hamstring injury at the SoFi Stadium.

However, as United stumbled through the early part of the season, struggling for goals and lacking resilience, Hojlund’s absence was sorely felt.

Erik ten Hag’s team entered this match with just five goals in seven Premier League games—one less than Brentford’s Bryan Mbuemo—highlighting their attacking struggles.

After scoring in his European comeback against FC Porto earlier this month, Hojlund netted his first league goal of the season, helping United stage a comeback victory.

The £72 million striker provides Ten Hag with the physical presence and direct approach that’s been missing elsewhere in the squad. But Hojlund isn’t just about power—his delicate chip over Mark Flekken for the winning goal showed the finesse of a seasoned finisher, scoring 16 goals in his debut season at United.

Ten Hag will have been pleased with how Hojlund linked up with Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford, whose combination play led to the equalizer after Ethan Pinnock had given Brentford the lead before halftime.

Garnacho, with a brilliant side-footed finish, has been United’s most dangerous attacking player in Hojlund’s absence, while Rashford is starting to regain his old form.

“It was frustrating to get injured when I did, but I feel great now and ready to move forward,” Hojlund said. “I remind myself how privileged I am to be a professional footballer. Sure, we face criticism, but there are ups and downs, and sometimes we’re treated like superstars.

“Overall, I’m living the dream. Playing for Manchester United, wearing the No.9 shirt—it’s a good life, and I think I’m in a great place right now.”