Michail Antonio admits he ‘really rates’ Rasmus Hojlund after the Man United star kept up his fine form against the forward’s West Ham… and reveals he had backed the £72m star to succeed since he joined the club
- Hojlund took 19 games to score his first goal for United in the Premier League
- He has since netted four goals in as many games as he finally starts to find form
- A lap of honour for a win, apologising when you lose… When did it come to this? Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast
West Ham’s Michail Antonio has admitted he ‘really rates’ Rasmus Hojlund after the Manchester United striker kept up his fine run of form.
Hojlund hadn’t scored for United in the Premier League until the 3-2 win over Aston Villa on Boxing Day, but has since netted four goals in four games and finally started to look like the £72million forward the club signed in the summer.
He has helped propel his side to sixth in the Premier League table in what has been a difficult campaign, netting the first goal of their 3-0 win over Antonio’s West Ham on Sunday.
And Antonio, who was working as a pundit ahead of Manchester City’s win over Brentford on Sky Sports on Monday, is a fan.
Speaking ahead of the match, the Hammers star revealed he had backed Hojlund to be a success from the start of the campaign, and that he has shown he can provide more than just goals for his side.
Michael Antonio has admitted he ‘really rates’ Rasmus Hojlund (pictured) after the forward added to his goal tally against West Ham
Hojlund, who is part of United’s new-look youthful squad, scored his fourth goal in as many games against Antonio’s side
Antonio revealed he has backed the forward to succeed from when he joined for £72million in the summer
‘To be fair I liked what I saw at the beginning the season,’ Antonio began. ‘Obviously you rate strikers on scoring goals, but it’s not about just scoring goals, it’s about what you bring as well to the team and he brings a physicality, he’s been able to get other people involved, he’s a willing runner, and now obviously scoring the goals.
‘The goal the scored yesterday was quality, the fake shot dragged onto his weak right foot, into the bottom corner, great strike through the ball. I really rate him.’
It wasn’t until the 19th game of the season that Hojlund broke his duck in the league for United, despite finding the back of the net five times in the group stages of the Champions League.
United have found it hard going in the league this season, at times struggling in front of goal in what has been a hit-and-miss campaign.
Antonio, however, praised the 21-year-old for his persistence, and believes he is finally reaping the rewards for his efforts.
Hojlund took 19 games to break his duck for United in the league but has now found some form
‘The one thing with a striker is people are always going to look at you to score the goals, and there’s going to be a time you only human where you’re going to be without the goals,’ he said. ‘But as long as you believe in yourself, you’ve got self-belief and you know that when you get an opportunity you’re going to take it, and when you take it you feel like you’re going to go on a run, that’s the most important thing.
‘Be able to control yourself and and just believe that you’re good enough to do it. He wouldn’t be in a situation he is right now at United if he couldn’t score goals.
‘A centre forward is being able to bring players into the game, run in behind, and as a striker you’re meant to get goals, but it’s being the whole complete package instead of just getting goals because it’s a team sport at the end of the day and the team’s meant to help as well.’
