Paul Scholes names the returning Man Utd star who can ‘be the difference’ for Rasmus Hojlund
Hojlund ended his long wait for a league goal.
Paul Scholes believes the return of Christian Eriksen will further unlock Rasmus Hojlund after the Manchester United striker scored his first Premier League goal for the club.
Hojlund ended his 1034-minute wait for a first league goal with a superb winner as United fought from two goals behind to beat Aston Villa 3-2 on Boxing Day.
Eriksen meanwhile was back in the starting XI for the first time since November, missing the last seven games due to a knee injury.
Hojlund’s role up top has been questioned during his struggles for goals but his teammates have also been criticised for failing to find the striker.
Former United star Scholes believes Eriksen’s presence will change that, also believing Erik ten Hag’s side will be a ‘different team’ in the coming weeks as players return from injury.
‘Christian Eriksen being in the team will help,’ Scholes told Premier League Productions.
‘He makes a big difference. I don’t think he was especially brilliant tonight. But he is the player that when they got the ball – Fernandes as well – they know that if this boy makes the right run it will come.
‘Eriksen has been out a long time and he makes a big difference to this team. Varane coming back into the team is good as well. And the quality of Casemiro.
‘I think in three of four weeks this will be a different team.
‘If we can keep Eriksen fit, I think creativity-wise, he gives his forward a real chance of scoring goals.’
Victory for United saw them close the gap on third place Villa to eight points, now just three behind Manchester City who have two games in hand.
United head to Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening for their final game of 2023.
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