Hojlund explains his celebratory dance before the West Ham match.

Striker Rasmus Hojlund opened the scoring and celebrated with an impromptu dance in England's 3-0 win against West Ham in the 23rd round of the Premier League.

In the 23rd minute, following a interception by Casemiro, Hojlund feigned a move, shifted the ball to his right foot, and fired a diagonal shot past goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. After scoring, the Danish striker ran to the right corner of the pitch, raised his left leg, mimicked guitar playing, and performed an impromptu dance.

After the match, Hojlund revealed that this celebration stemmed from a conversation with a friend from the summer. "He told me I should celebrate goals like that, but I hadn't done it yet," the 2003-born striker said. "When we met again in Denmark, he reminded me of it. It haunted me and I just thought I'd try it."

Hojlund also revealed that he bought a guitar for Christmas, but hasn't used it yet. "I'm serious," the Danish striker stated. "But it remains to be seen whether I'll start playing the guitar or not."

Striker Rasmus Hojlund celebrates after scoring the opening goal in Manchester United's 3-0 win over West Ham in the 23rd round of the Premier League at Old Trafford on February 4, 2024. Photo: AP

After a goalless start to his first 14 games, Hojlund scored in his last four matches against Aston Villa, Tottenham, Wolves, and West Ham. His goal against West Ham also made him only the second player to score on his 21st birthday in the Premier League, after Noel Whelan in December 1995.

"I don't want to stop yet," Hojlund emphasized. "I crave more, to keep scoring goals, to play well with my teammates, to develop, to reach a higher level, and to keep winning. I'm enjoying everything."

Hojlund insisted he maintained his confidence despite a difficult start and considered it most important to integrate with the team. "You score a goal, a couple of goals, you get a little bit of momentum and start connecting with the players," he added. "I've spoken to my teammates, the coaching staff because we need to help each other get better. I've also worked hard in training, reviewing my game and what I can improve. I think I've improved a lot since I arrived here."

At Old Trafford on February 4th, after Hojlund opened the scoring, Alejandro Garnacho scored a brace in the second half to seal a 3-0 victory. Man Utd extended their unbeaten run in 2024 and climbed to sixth place in the Premier League with 38 points, eight points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.

On February 11th, Man Utd is expected to face significant difficulties when they visit Aston Villa in round 24.

Hong Duy

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