Manchester United lost 1-3 to Arsenal in the fourth round of the 2023-24 English Premier League (EPL) at 0:30 a.m. ET on Thursday at Emirates Stadium in London, England. The result leaves United in 11th place in the league with two wins, two losses, and six points, while Arsenal is fifth in the league with three wins, one draw, and 10 points.
Hoi Lun was named on the substitutes’ bench for the first time since joining United. There were high hopes for the youngster when he arrived at United last month. With his quick feet, ability to press forward, and physicality that utilizes his 6-foot-3 frame, it was believed he could solve some of United’s frontline problems.
However, he was not able to participate in training immediately after his transfer. He suffered a back injury and spent some time rehabilitating, before returning to training a day before the Nottingham game to begin his preparations for the season. At the time, coach Eric ten Hagg said: “Hojbjerg took part in team training for the first time today. He is expected to train throughout the week so that he can be available next week (against Arsenal).”
After a week of training, he was named to the substitutes’ bench against Arsenal, ready to make his United debut. He came on for Anthony Martial in the 21st minute of the second half with the score tied at 1-1. Unlike Marcial, Hoilearn pressed hard up front and was active, disrupting Arsenal’s buildup at the back.
He almost had a hand in the goal that gave his team the lead again. In the 43rd minute of the second half, a ball off the back foot from Hojelun in midfield was picked up by Casemiro and he immediately slotted in a penetrating pass. Garnacho rushed forward and finished lightly in a one-on-one with the keeper. However, a VAR check showed he was offside. With the momentum in their favor, United conceded two goals in second-half stoppage time and eventually lost 1-3.
Despite the loss, United fans can take heart from the fact that Hui Lun had a solid debut. It was especially impressive to see the veteran Casemiro give him some advice during the game. Casemiro approached him on a corner kick, grabbed him by the shirt and said, “Get a grip!” before giving him some advice.
Hoi Loon himself revealed what Casemiro said at the time. “Casemiro said something like ‘Vamos’ (in Spanish), ‘Let’s go!’ He was happy that 토토 I brought a different dynamic to the fight than Marcial,” he said, according to an interview published by the UK’s The Sun.
“He saw the difference that I was probably a bit stronger technically (than Marcial) and wanted to fight, and he said he was surprised because he had never seen me play,” he added.
Meanwhile, Højlund, who has joined the Denmark squad, will face San Marino in their fifth UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying group game on July 8, before going head-to-head with Finland on July 11.