Rasmus Højlund finally broke his goal-scoring drought, netting his first Premier League goal since December 2024 in Manchester United’s 3-0 triumph over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Sunday, March 16, 2025. The Danish striker’s clinical finish in the 28th minute marked the end of a frustrating 21-match barren run in the league, offering a glimmer of hope for both Højlund and a United side looking to climb the Premier League table under manager Ruben Amorim.
The goal came in the first half of a dominant United performance, as Højlund latched onto a pinpoint through ball from captain Bruno Fernandes. Showing composure beyond his 22 years, Højlund took a touch to steady himself before slotting the ball past Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen with his right foot. The strike sparked jubilant celebrations among the traveling United supporters, who have endured a challenging season but saw their team rise to 13th place with the victory.
Højlund’s last Premier League goal had come on December 7, 2024, in a 3-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, a match that highlighted United’s struggles in front of goal. Since then, the young forward had managed only three goals across all competitions—two in the Europa League against Viktoria Plzen and one earlier this season—leaving fans and pundits questioning his form and confidence. His barren run had stretched over 1,500 minutes of league play, with Højlund often cutting a frustrated figure as chances dried up or were squandered.
Speaking after the match, Højlund expressed relief and determination to build on the moment. “I had a lot of time and I went for it,” he said of his goal. “A good shot with my right foot. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. It’s very important for me, but also for everyone. We strikers have to score goals. I think I’m slowly improving, and this goal will help me push on.”
The goal was a testament to Højlund’s persistence and the growing influence of Amorim, who has been working to revitalize United’s attack since taking charge earlier this season. Fernandes, who provided the assist, was instrumental throughout the match, later adding a stunning long-range strike in the 90th minute to cap United’s victory. Alejandro Garnacho also found the net in the 67th minute, ending his own goal drought and further boosting United’s confidence.
For Leicester, the defeat was another blow in a torrid campaign that has seen them lose seven consecutive home matches without scoring, a record unmatched in Premier League history. Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, facing his former club, could do little to stem the tide as United exploited their defensive frailties. The Foxes remain in 19th place, with relegation fears intensifying as the season progresses.
United’s performance was not without its concerns, however. Debutant Ayden Heaven, an 18-year-old center-back, impressed in the first half but was forced off early in the second due to an injury sustained while thwarting a rare Leicester attack. Amorim expressed cautious optimism about Heaven’s condition, stating, “We’ll assess him, but we need him fit. He showed great promise today.”
Højlund’s goal, while a personal milestone, also highlighted the challenges he has faced this season. His shot volume has been notably low, averaging just 1.5 shots per game, and his touches in the opposition penalty area have been limited compared to teammates like Garnacho and Fernandes. Critics have pointed to a lack of service as a contributing factor, but Højlund’s movement and physicality against Leicester’s defense suggested a return to form could be on the horizon.
As United prepare for their next fixture against Nottingham Forest after the international break, Højlund will hope this goal marks the beginning of a more prolific spell. For a player who scored 10 goals in his debut Premier League season in 2023-24 and earned the Player of the Month award in February 2024, the potential is undeniable. With Amorim’s tactical influence taking hold, Højlund’s resurgence could prove pivotal in United’s push for a higher finish in the Premier League standings.