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Manchester United capitulated on Thursday against FC Porto in the Europa League, relinquishing a two-goal lead within seven minutes and almost lost the tie but for a last-gasp equaliser from substitute Harry Maguire.
The Red Devils conceded three goals for the 24th time under Erik ten Hag, the most among all Premier League sides. It is clear that his tactics are not getting the best out of the players.
The defence continues to leak goals with Lisandro Martinez struggling for form in the current season while new recruit Matthijs de Ligt was ripped to shreds by the Porto forward line.
The match started on a bright note however as Marcus Rashford netted the opener while he also got the assist for Rasmus Hojlund’s first goal of the campaign on his first start this season.
📲 Rasmus Hojlund on IG: “Luckily I had 6 weeks to practice my celebration.” pic.twitter.com/E3hl49p8UG
— centredevils. (@centredevils) October 3, 2024
Rasmus goal celebration sparks controversy
The Dane was understandably happy with his goal and was seen hugging the physio during his celebrations for the part he played during his recovery from a pre-season injury that kept him out of action for two months.
Despite a poor result, the former Atalanta star decided to upload a picture on social media with the caption: “Luckily I had 6 weeks to practice my celebration. A win would’ve made it perfect.”
🚨📸 – Rasmus Højlund on IG!! pic.twitter.com/2Pzqrc8MC3
— 𝗧𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗴’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘀 ✍🏼🇳🇱 (@TenHagBall_) October 4, 2024
His teammates also joined in, congratulating him for the strike, but the fanbase did not take it so well. With United winning only three games out of 10, the supporters are fed up with the manager and the underperforming players.
They want the players to feel the pain that they feel and made their feelings known to the Denmark international. Hojlund subsequently apologised for the ill-timed post and vowed to keep working hard.
He also urged the fans to keep faith in the team and that the players were gearing up to give it their all for Sunday’s crucial league tie against Aston Villa.
Rasmus apologises
“I never intended that… I was only happy to be back out there on the scoresheet again after a tough few weeks where I couldn’t play and score.
“Obviously we go for the win and I will give everything to make you guys happy, sorry yesterday’s post was not the case. Let’s move on, getting ready to give everything again on Sunday.”
The United No 9 is still young and such mistakes are bound to happen, especially in a age where all footballers are heavily focussed on their social media activity.
Nonetheless, if he scores and United win on Sunday, all will be forgiven and fans will shower their love on the 21-year-old.
A win is mandatory if Ten Hag is to keep his job with plenty of outlets of the opinion that anything less than a positive result could result in INEOS sacking the Dutchman during the international break.
Feature image Octavio Passos via Getty Images
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