Rio Ferdinand sends Rasmus Hojlund message after first Premier League goal for Manchester United

Former centre-back Rio Ferdinand has told Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund to use his first Premier League goal as fuel to continue improving.

Hojlund, at the 15th time of asking, scored his first league goal in England on Tuesday evening, scoring the winner in United's 3-2 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford. The ball landed kindly at the Dane's feet inside the penalty area and he lashed an effort past Villa shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez.

The Dane, who joined United from Italian club Atalanta in August, celebrated with a sense of relief sketched across his face. It had been a long time coming for the 20-year-old, who had been growing under increasing pressure.

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Though Hojlund will have been delighted to have got off the mark in the Premier League, he will be hoping it is just the beginning for him in United colours. He now has six goals for the club in all competitions this season.

Taking to his Instagram page after the game, Hojlund, addressing United's supporters, posted: "What a comeback, guys. Thanks for the support towards me and the team today. You deserved this!"

The social media post, unsurprisingly, triggered a wave of responses, including one from former United defender Ferdinand, who has been critical in recent months of United's players not doing enough to support and supply Hojlund inside the penalty area. He has urged the Dane to build on his first Premier League goal and thrive off the feeling generated by securing it.

"So happy for you," Ferdinand commented. "Keep that feeling inside and use as fuel."

Hojlund's match-winning heroics against