Manchester United fans given one reason to be optimistic despite endless crises

Gabby Agbonlahor has warned fans not to rule Manchester United out of top four contention as he believes they are yet to unleash their secret weapon.

The Aston Villa legend believes summer signing Rasmus Hojlund could prove to be the difference for Manchester United this season.

Højlund caused problems for Arsenal on his debut after replacing Anthony MartialGetty

The 20-year-old Danish striker signed for Manchester United in August and made his debut as a substitute in their 3-1 defeat to Arsenal. 

That was Manchester United’s second loss of the season after they also suffered a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham.

And while their other two games have resulted in victories, neither their 1-0 win over Wolverhampton nor their 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest have been convincing.

As if their start to the season had not been rocky enough, Jadon Sancho publicly contradicted manager Erik ten Hag’s after comments about the winger’s commitment in training.

Sancho has since been banished from first-time training at Manchester United after the club stated a ‘discipline issue’ needed to be resolved.

But Agbonlahor remains positive about Manchester United’s season after being impressed by the impact Hojlund made on his debut.

“I really like the look of Hojlund,” Agbonlahor told Alan Brazil on talkSPORT Breakfast. 

He praised how ‘quick, strong and aggressive’ the forward was and said it was encouraging that ‘he caused problems’ for Arsenal on his debut. 

The forward has scored 6 goals in 8 appearance for DenmarkGetty

The Dane certainly had an impressive start as Manchester United revealed Hojlund had registered the fastest speed of any of the Red Devils so far this season.

He recorded a top speed of 35.45 km/h – the fifth fastest speed of any player in the Premier League this season. 

And Agbonlahor predicts Hojlund will have his chance to shine when Erik Ten Hag’s side take on Brighton. 

“I think this could be the game against Brighton, who are quite open at the back, that Hojlund could get a couple of goals,” he said. 

He has even tipped Hojlund to contend with last seasons’ Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland who set a new record for goals scored in a Premier League season. 

Hojlund has recorded 27 goals in 88 club appearances, as well as six goals in eight international appearances.

“If you get Rashford and Garnacho either side, get him past players and balls into the box, he could be their version of Haaland!” Agbonlahor said. 

Manchester United host Brighton at Old Trafford on Saturday, September 16 from 3:00pm, live on talkSPORT 2.