Erik ten Hag wants Rasmus Hojlund to continue scoring after Manchester United’s £72 million man broke his Premier League duck with a spectacular 3-2 comeback win over Aston Villa.

United seemed set for a 14th defeat in all competitions as Aston Villa scored twice in six first-half minutes through John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker to take a 2-0 lead into half-time as boos reverberated around Old Trafford.

United recovered in the second half, with Alejandro Garnacho scoring twice before Hojlund won it in the 82nd minute, with INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford gazing on after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority interest was announced.

Despite finishing as United’s top scorer in their short-lived Champions League campaign, the summer transfer from Atalanta had failed to find the net in 16 domestic matches, but made no mistake when McGinn could only flick the ball into his path eight minutes from time.

“Of course I’ve had several talks with him and every time I’ve pointed out he has scored for Denmark a lot, he has scored in the Champions League, he has demonstrated his ability so you can do it, believe,” Ten Hag remarked in reference to the 20-year-old Danish player.

“I’m confident that now that he’s scored his first goal, he’ll score many…

“It’s a problem when a striker doesn’t score, but he has a strong character, he’s so solid and determined.” He has a boisterous attitude. This, I believe, is what a striker requires. The goals will come if you continue to invest.”

Brailsford’s arrival comes just two days after Ratcliffe announced the purchase of a 25% share in the club, which will include control of football operations, subject to Premier League approval.

The ease with which Villa scored would have alarmed the former British Cycling manager. McGinn’s wide free-kick bounced through a packed area, leaving Dendoncker practically unmarked to flick home from a corner.

When asked if Brailsford saw the best and worst of his United team, Ten Hag said, “It wasn’t the worst.” I believe we played well in the first half. It was a touch sloppy to let up two goals, but we altered our pressuring somewhat and kept going.

“We created chances in the first half and kept believing in ourselves, which is what I demand.” I told the team at halftime, “Keep believing, and we will win this game.”