Alejandro Garnacho's message to Rasmus Hojlund is good news for Manchester United

Manchester United fans may struggle to take anything positive from Sunday's defeat at Arsenal, particularly when victory was a matter of millimetres away, but a glimpse into the future link-up between Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho should set pulses racing.

It all could have been so different, with the away end in that corner of the Emirates sent wild as Garnacho raced through on goal and slotted his finish past Aaron Ramsdale. But VAR stepped in to spoil the party.

As it turned out, United went from a first away win against a top-six side under Erik ten Hag to a second consecutive defeat on the road in a matter of minutes. Arsenal went up the other end as their own marquee summer signing, Declan Rice, saw his effort deflect past Andre Onana, with Gabriel Jesus making it three not long after.

United had somehow gone from 2-1 up to 3-1 down and amid the disappointment, it would be easy to forget the promise shown by Hojlund on his debut. Almost a month after signing, the 20-year-old got his first taste of Premier League football and did not look out of place one bit.

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Hojlund managed to do more in half an hour than Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial did over the first three games at No.9. The Dane provided a physical presence upfront, but also showed the skill to initiate Garnacho's disallowed goal.

The striker produced a lovely flick from Bruno Fernandes' loose pass, opening up the game with one touch as Casemiro then played in the Reds winger. And while there was a 31-year-old midfield veteran in the middle of it all, the link-up between two of the club's most exciting young players should be a sign of things to come.

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