Debut watch: Hojlund makes Reds bow

It was a maiden outing for the Reds for striker Rasmus Hojlund, while Jonny Evans made his first appearance in his second spell with the club – nearly 16 years on from initially making his debut for the club, back in September 2007.

Fellow new additions Sergio Reguilon and goalkeeper Altay Bayindir remained unused substitutes in our 3-1 defeat to the Gunners. Our other deadline-day recruit, Sofyan Amrabat, was not included in the matchday squad.

While it was not the result we wanted in the capital, there were signs of promise from Hojlund in his long-anticipated debut.

RASMUS HOJLUND

After warming up with Reguilon at half-time, Hojlund did not have to wait too much longer until he was brought off the bench for his Reds debut, replacing Anthony Martial after 67 minutes, and he was thrown straight in to help defend an Arsenal corner...

69th minute: The start of an intriguing battle with Gabriel ensued, as Hojlund showed no lack of physicality in his attempt to win the ball from the Arsenal defender.

71st minute: Again battling with Gabriel, Hojlund was this time penalised for pulling the Gunners centre-back's shirt, this time higher up the pitch and in the penalty area.

72nd minute: After impressive wing play from Marcus Rashford, our Dane had a shot blocked, amid something of a goalmouth scramble in the Arsenal box.

75th minute: Despite his all-action style, Hojlund was seen ushering Casemiro not to rush the ball forward too quickly, after the Brazilian and his compatriot Antony helped to halt an Arsenal counter attack.

86th minute: Our new striker harried Declan Rice in the midfield area, getting involved in our team-wide defensive effort.

87th minute: Picked out by an expert Casemiro pass on the counter down the right channel, Hojlund cut inside well and almost got past Gabriel, before a last-ditch challenge from the Gunners defender - which was perhaps an unfair one.

88th minute: Rasmus produced a magical touch in the centre circle, with the back of his heel, to set Casemiro free in the lead-up to Alejandro Garnacho’s goal, which was then disallowed by the VAR.

99th minute: After United conceded a cruel second goal, Hojlund towered above the rest to head down Andre Onana’s ball forward, but without being able to find a team-mate.

ERIK IMPRESSED BY RASMUS

Erik ten Hag was pleased by the impact of his new frontman in the capital. Asked about the former Atalanta man in his post-match press conference, our boss expanded on the qualities he believed Hojliund demonstrated against Arsenal.

"I agree," Erik stated, when it was put to him that Rasmus impressed on his debut. "I think Anthony Martial played a good game, but when Hojlund came on, he definitely had an impact. He was difficult to play against, [he showed] very good movement behind."

The boss also felt we should have had a penalty when Hojlund was involved in a challenge with Gabriel, moments before Garnacho scored the goal that was disallowed by the VAR.

"I think he was also close in the box with finishing, one time was very near [at the] front post and one time I already mentioned, it could have been a penalty. [It was] a foul on Hojlund in the penalty area, I think not even noticed, I don’t think, by the VAR."