After scoring his first Premier League goal for Manchester United at Old Trafford, Rasmus Hojlund responded right away.

Aston Villa, led by two goals at halftime at Old Trafford by Unai Emery’s team, appeared to be headed for a historic triumph. Despite the setback, the Midlands team is still eight points ahead of Manchester United.

After halftime, Erik ten Hag persisted with his United lineup, and that daring choice turned out to be the right one as Alejandro Garnacho’s double and Rasmus Hojlund’s winning goal altered the tide of play.

After a clumsy touch from John McGinn, the 20-year-old attacker swung around deftly and scored superbly beyond Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

The Danish striker’s celebration was quite dramatic as he went toward the corner where the supporters were reveling in his unique moment, demonstrating how much that goal meant to him.

Hojlund declared, “I’m the happiest man alive right now,” to Amazon Prime Sport following the Villa match. He seemed utterly thrilled. Having received the first one makes me joyful, and I can now improve.

Garnacho, one of his striking partners in the front three, was ecstatic for the former Atalanta player as well. For Rasmus [Højlund], I’m glad. Garnacho told Amazon Prime, “Too many people talk about the strikers at Man United.”

Ten Hag would have been happy not only with the goal itself but also with the Danish striker’s ability to protect the ball from the physically tough Villa defense. This has always been the case, even in games where Holjund has had difficulty.

For the young striker, it was an incredibly memorable moment that brought back memories of Federico Macheda’s first goal for the Red Devils against Aston Villa during the 2009 title run-in.

With a crucial match against Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest team approaching, it will be important for Hojlund to build on such a memorable moment and ensure that the goal is not merely a fleeting moment.

Although Hojlund has shown promise in the months he has been at Old Trafford, he has had difficulty finishing shots; this needs to be the turning point in his season.