Rasmus Hojlund details ‘downside’ of United transfer and ‘curse’ that tainted his PL beginning

When the full-time whistle blows in Saturday’s FA Cup final, Rasmus Hojlund will have officially completed his first season as a Manchester United player.

You’d expect that the 21-year-old will be named in the starting 11 to face Manchester City tomorrow, especially given that he was rested in the final two Premier League matches and went on to score two goals off the bench.

Last Sunday’s fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion saw Hojlund round off his maiden league term with double figures after his 88th-minute strike to seal all three points took his tally up to 10 goals.

The United faithful will remember all too well the tedious wait their frontman had to endure to open his account in the top flight, with his first-ever goal coming on Boxing Day after a 15-game wait to find the back of the net.

However, there was little concern over his prolific goalscoring abilities, given that he’d netted five times in six Champions League matches.

Almost one year on from his £72 million switch, Hojlund has reflected on the widely-covered move.

Hojlund lifts lid on first year in England

“You feel an incredible amount of pressure when you’re at Manchester United,” he told Danish outlet Tipsbladet. “It took some time for me to get going in the Premier League, but I think I’ve caught up quite well. I feel like I’ve found my rhythm. 

“It was a frustrating time leading up to my first goal in the Premier League because I felt there was a lot of focus on it. But, of course, I understand that it’s not impressive not to score a single goal in your first 14 Premier League matches, but I felt that bad luck was on my side in the league games. Fortunately, it got better.

“When I scored against Aston Villa, I felt like the curse had lifted a bit. It was a good day because I scored my first goal, and we beat a really good team. Personally, it’s been a fine year for me, and I’ve tried a lot of things. I’ve played in the Premier League and the Champions League and that’s something I’ve always dreamed of.”

He added that following his transfer, he was taken aback at how quickly he was catapulted into the spotlight.

“I remember one of the first days when I was walking around the city with my girlfriend, and there were paparazzi photographers on the street,” Hojlund detailed. “I thought, “‘Wow, do people really care to see pictures of me just walking around?’

“There are eyes on you all the time, on and off the pitch, because the club is so huge. It takes some time to get used to it. I’ve always wanted to get here, and it’s not that it isn’t great, but there is definitely also a downside.

“You don’t have the same freedom in your vocabulary and generally in everyday life. You can’t always say what’s on your mind, because it can be taken out of context. I do miss that part – being able to be at peace and act like an idiot if that’s what you want.

“I do miss being able to mind my own business without thinking about whether someone is listening and keeping up with where Rasmus Hojlund is now.

“But I’ve enjoyed it and am already looking forward to next season.”