Rasmus Hojlund: Every day is a dream at Manchester United

Danish striker says he is adapting quickly to life in England and the Premier League

Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United during the Champions League match against FC Copenhagen at Old Trafford. Getty

Rasmus Hojlund was walking through the mixed zone, where players and journalists speak, following Manchester United’s 1-0 Champions League victory over FC Copenhagen.

There, the United striker, 20, spotted his younger brother Oscar, a player for the Danish side, speaking to Danish journalists. Rasmus snuck up behind him and knocked the microphone in front of him. The brothers then spoke in Danish and English.

“It is a great feeling being on the same pitch as my brother and not only in a normal stadium,” Rasmus said. "In Denmark it is [considered] one of the most special stadiums in the world, so it is a special feeling.”

It was a memorable day all round for Rasmus, as he talked positively about how he was finding life at Manchester United following his summer transfer from Atalanta.

“Yeah, very nice. I play for my boyhood club. I have always supported Manchester United, so I am living my dream every day," he said.

Though he is yet to score a Premier League goal, United fans have warmed to the young, determined striker.

“I try to show personality and want to give 110 per cent every time I play a football match, so maybe that is the reason why the fans are showing a special bond towards me,” he said.

Asked about his start at United, he replied: “It has been all right. I’ve tried my best every time I play, and I still need to find the rhythm. We have been struggling a little bit, but we are getting there now. We have had three wins in a row, so that is very positive.”

The eldest of the three Hojlund brothers, however, is still adjusting to the Premier League.

“For sure,” he said. “I improve every day and my team-mates are starting to see my patterns in the game as well, so it is getting better and better every day.”

Manchester United 1-0 FC Copenhagen ratings

His partnership with Marcus Rashford will be vital as United are not scoring enough goals this season.

"You can see we are trying to find each other,” said Hojlund. “In the Sheffield (United) game, he nearly got an assist to me, and I think he has already assisted me twice in the Champions League. We are definitely trying to find each other on the pitch and I also tried to find him with a deep pass today, so we have a good connection.”

Despite the spotlight on him, Hojlund is not intimidated by his big price tag.

“I know my worth," he said. "I know I have to perform every day because I play for Manchester United. In the end, I am only 20 years old and I am not the finished article yet. I still have a lot to improve and I am getting there slowly. I reckon I have had a fine start to the season and now we have to keep building and the goals will come in the Premier League.

“It has gone fast, but I have always had the self-belief and I want to improve every day, and that is the reason why I am here. Hopefully I can keep my streak going upwards."

Manchester City await on Sunday and Hojlund is relishing the challenge.

“It would be a big experience, so I am looking forward to it,” he said. “It is always special to play a rival and if we win the game, we can get closer to the top, so it would be nice.”

As a United fan, he remembers some classic Manchester derbies.

“The bicycle kick from Wayne Rooney, of course! Everybody remembers that, don’t they?”

Hojlund, however, is his own man. He doesn’t enjoy comparisons with City’s Erling Haaland.

“I don’t want to be compared to him,” he says. “He is incredible and probably the best striker in the world right now. We can keep that on the low for now, but I hope I can improve and then we will see what I am capable of.”

As he’s talking, younger brother Oscar leaves. Rasmus shouts for him to wait.

“But the bus leaves now!”

“It can wait 10 minutes,” replies his older brother. “Mum and Dad are here.”

Rasmus knows Oscar won’t be able to keep his teammates waiting and unlike the game on Tuesday, there was no last minute drama as his brother sprints for his seat.