In a thrilling Champions League encounter, Manchester United faced a 4-3 defeat against Bayern Munich.
But one shining light for the Red Devils was the performance of Rasmus Hojlund, who showcased his potential to match the impact of Bayern’s star striker, Harry Kane.
Rasmus Hojlund was a positive for United against Bayern Munich and he looked ready made for the big stage
Oh-no-nana: Andre Onana’s Costly Error
The match got off to a disastrous start for Manchester United when goalkeeper Andre Onana made a grave error. Onana, a £47 million acquisition, had previously emphasized his goalkeeping abilities over his footwork, but his mistake proved costly. Leroy Sane’s less-than-stellar shot slipped past him as he mistimed his dive, allowing the ball to squirm under his body.
Manchester United has developed a pattern of starting games strongly, only to crumble when adversity strikes. This match was no different. The Red Devils were in control until Onana’s mishap, after which they struggled to regain their footing.
Hojlund Rises to the Occasion
Despite the unfavorable outcome for Manchester United, Rasmus Hojlund seized the moment in a spectacular way. As the Champions League anthem played before kickoff, Hojlund’s mischievous grin revealed his enthusiasm for the occasion. This was a significant moment for the 20-year-old, marking his first-ever Champions League goal.
Although Hojlund’s strike may not have been the cleanest, he celebrated it with gusto, injecting a spark of hope into his team’s performance. Unfortunately, his joy was short-lived, as Harry Kane swiftly responded with a goal of his own, intensifying their personal duel.
The debate about Kane versus Hojlund is likely to continue, but the young Dane has already shown potential to make a meaningful impact on the team. Kane boasts an impressive record of five goals in five games for Bayern Munich, and while Hojlund may have some way to go to match that, his influence on his teammates is evident.
A Turning Point?
While it may seem absurd to consider a fourth defeat in six matches as a turning point, Manchester United’s second-half fightback offers a glimmer of hope. Although they conceded four goals in the game, scoring three themselves was a surprising twist.
Casemiro, who had a challenging evening against Jamal Musiala, netted two late goals to salvage some pride for United. While losing the match was far from ideal, the late drama may serve as a catalyst for the team to improve defensively and turn their season around.
Reguilon’s Impact
Sergio Reguilon’s performance didn’t go unnoticed by the Manchester United faithful. The left-back, on loan from Tottenham, showcased his defensive prowess with a crucial intervention to halt a Bayern break. He also contributed as an attacking force down the left flank, earning appreciation from fans.
Reguilon’s loan signing raised eyebrows, given his limited playing time at previous clubs, but in a challenging week for Manchester United, he stood out as one of the few positives.
Bayern Munich: A Proper Club
Bayern Munich, often dubbed “FC Hollywood” in Germany, thrives on the attention and lives up to its status as a massive club. The Allianz Arena, despite being 17 years old, remains a modern and vibrant stadium, offering an exceptional experience for fans. In contrast, Manchester United’s facilities, such as Old Trafford and Carrington, no longer match the standards set by elite European clubs like Bayern Munich.
In conclusion, while Manchester United may have suffered a defeat, the emergence of talents like Rasmus Hojlund and the positive contributions of players like Sergio Reguilon provide reasons for optimism. However, the club must address its defensive issues to avoid a potential unraveling of the season. Moreover, the match highlighted the disparity in facilities between United and top European clubs like Bayern Munich.
