Two touches from Rasmus Hojlund vs Brighton showed why Manchester United bought him

Manchester United fans can be encouraged by what Rasmus Hojlund has offered the team in the two appearances he has made for the club so far.

While he may be some way off his level, it's easy to see why United pursued Hojlund after failing in their attempts to bring Harry Kane to Old Trafford. Just like Kane, Hojlund likes to drop deep and link up play with his teammates before making sure he is on the end of any crosses swung into the box.

On his debut at the Emirates, Hojlund proved to be a handful for Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhães, and the striker also threatened on Saturday in United’s defeat to Brighton. In the 41st minute, Marcus Rashford looked to drive down the left-hand side as United went in search of an equaliser.

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His stop-start dribble eventually saw VAR deem the ball to have gone out of play, though the finish at the end of the move from Hojlund was what United have lacked for a number of years; a striker with a natural instinct for goals.

Hojlund showed the strength to hold off Lewis Dunk, before keeping his balance to turn towards goal and prodding the ball into the back of the net. It might not be the prettiest goal Old Trafford has ever seen but that's the point. United aren't after a player who can score five amazing goals a season, they need someone to be on hand to finish the scruffy chances and that's exactly what Hojlund did before the VAR check.

At just 20, United must be patient with Hojlund and it's clear he has a number of areas in his game that can be improved. The acquisition of the striker should also be a huge benefit to Rashford, with the weight on his shoulders of