Rasmus Hojlund admits he felt ‘CURSED’ during 15-game wait for his first Premier League goal as Manchester United star explains how life changed for him and girlfriend Laura Sondergaard

Rasmus Hojlund has admitted feeling “cursed” during his long wait for a first Premier League goal at Manchester United.

Signed from Atalanta for £72 million last summer, the Danish striker felt the pressure of performing at Old Trafford from the start.

But despite scoring goals in the Champions League, it took Hojlund 15 league matches before completing a two-goal turnaround to beat Aston Villa 3-2 on Boxing Day.

The 21-year-old has 16 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions in his debut campaign for United, including the FA Cup final against Manchester City on Saturday.

“You feel incredible pressure when you are at Manchester United,” he told Tipsbladet in his native Denmark.

Rasmus Hojlund celebrates scoring his first Premier League goal against Aston Villa

The Dane has revealed how his life and that of his girlfriend Laura Sondergaard have been transformed.

“It took me a while to get going in the Premier League, but I think I’ve caught up pretty well. I feel like I’ve found my rhythm.

“It was a frustrating time before my first Premier League goal because I felt there was a lot of focus on that.

“But, of course, I understand it’s not impressive not to score a single goal in your first 14 Premier League games, but I felt bad luck was on my side in the league games. Fortunately, it got better.

“When I scored against Aston Villa it felt like the curse had lifted a bit. It was a good day because I scored my first goal and we beat a very good team.

“Personally, it was a great year for me and I tried a lot of things. I’ve played in the Premier League and the Champions League, and it’s something I’ve always dreamed of.

Hojlund, who arrived at Old Trafford with the burden of such a high transfer fee and having to deal with a back problem, enjoyed a hot streak after his breakthrough at Villa.

He scored seven goals in six consecutive Premier League and FA Cup games in January and February.

Hojlund finished the Championship season by scoring against Newcastle and Brighton, with his performances rare and positive in a trying campaign for Erik ten Hag.

Chances haven’t diminished for Hojlund in the Premier League after his £72m arrival

But Hojlund has now found his scoring touch and has 16 goals this season in 42 outings.

Off the pitch, it didn’t take long for the young striker to appreciate the scrutiny that comes with being a Manchester United player.

“I remember one of the first days I was walking around town with my girlfriend and there were paparazzi photographers on the street,” he said.

“I thought, ‘Wow, do people really care if they see pictures of me walking around?’

“There are eyes on you all the time, on and off the pitch, because the club is so huge. It takes some getting used to.

“I’ve always wanted to get here, and it’s not that it’s not great, but there’s definitely a downside as well.

Hojlund’s other half, Laura Sondergaard, seen in an Instagram selfie

Hojlund admitted he was shocked that photographers wanted to follow him and Laura everywhere

“You don’t have the same freedom in your vocabulary and generally in everyday life. You can’t always say what you think, because it can be taken out of context.

“I miss that part – being able to be at peace and act like an idiot if that’s what you want.

“I miss being able to mind my own business without wondering if anyone is listening and following Rasmus Hojlund’s current situation.

“But I enjoyed it and I’m already looking forward to next season.”