Onana's reaction speaks volumes as Man Utd show fighting spirit under Ten Hag

27 December 2023 , 11:28

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Onana's reaction speaks volumes as Man Utd show fighting spirit under Ten Hag

Andre Onana ran the entire length of the pitch to celebrate Rasmus Hojlund's first Premier League goal as Manchester United earned a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa.

Goals from John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker saw Villa race into a 2-0 advantage at Old Trafford, only for United to stage a sensational second half comeback. Alejandro Garnacho struck a quick-fire brace, before Hojlund slammed home the winner to send the home faithful into raptures.

And after Hojlund's 82nd-minute strike, Onana ran the length of the pitch to join the celebrations in front of the jubilant Stretford End. In a clip circulated on social media, Onana could be seen breaking up the celebrations and grabbing hold of Hojlund, before giving him a gigantic hug.

Onana also produced a wild celebration for Garnacho's equaliser, running towards the corner between the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand and the East Stand, first pumping the air twice and trying to ramp up the United crowd.

Erik ten Hag came under increased pressure after United's 2-0 defeat at West Ham, but the Dutchman showed he hadn't lost the dressing room after their fightback against Villa.

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Andre Onana celebrates during Manchester United's 3-2 victory over Aston Villa (Getty Images)

Assessing the game, Ten Hag said: "I think already, the first half and we played solid, only it was a little sloppy to give two goals away from set-plays. I think only [at] half-time we slightly changed a little, the pressing, but there was a really slight change. But we said keep going.

"Already [in] the first half we created chances; twice Rasmus Hojlund, or Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, and were all very good, created chances from open play. So, we said keep going, and believing in ourselves, and I said that that is what I demand from a team. And I said it before the game, I said during half-time. Keep believing and we will win this game."

Hojlund's strike was his first in the Premier League for United and he cut a delighted figure in his post-match interview. "It has been a while [waiting for a first league goal] but yes I am very happy," he told Amazon Prime Video. "I am the happiest man alive right now. You can see from the celebrations as well. Like [Garnacho] said we believed in ourselves until the very end and got the win today."

Kieran King