Everton Star's Plea to Hojlund Before Premier League Clash

Everton loan star Jesper Lindstrom recently revealed a lighthearted exchange with his former teammate, Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund, ahead of their Premier League encounter. Lindstrom, known for his time with the Danish national team alongside Hojlund, admitted to sending a playful message to the United striker. The message? A simple, yet earnest plea: "Don't score this weekend!" This request, born out of a shared history and a desire for his current team’s success, adds an intriguing layer to Sunday's match.

Hojlund's Unwavering Response

However, Hojlund's response was anything but merciful. The 21-year-old Manchester United striker, fresh off a two-goal performance in the Europa League, had a clear and concise reply: "I'll do my best to score goals." This bold response, while playful in nature, showcases Hojlund's determination to make his mark in the Premier League and continue his impressive goalscoring form. The exchange highlights the competitive spirit and strong bond between the two Danish internationals, despite their current club affiliations.

A Look Back at Hojlund's Journey

Lindstrom also offered a fascinating insight into Hojlund's career progression, emphasizing the striker's unwavering dedication and talent. He recalled their shared youth days, noting that Hojlund wasn’t always viewed as a future star. Lindstrom recounted, "He didn't seem much when he was young. His Danish team didn't believe in him." This early skepticism, however, only fueled Hojlund's determination. His subsequent moves to Austria and Italy saw him "smash it," ultimately leading him to the Premier League and Manchester United.

The Manchester United Move

The transition to Manchester United is a testament to Hojlund's undeniable talent and hard work. Lindstrom's statement, “There is a good reason why Rasmus is in Manchester - he's a good player,” is a strong endorsement of Hojlund's ability. This perspective underscores the significant potential that Hojlund possesses and the expectations surrounding his performance at Old Trafford. His performances under managers like Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta have been key to his career trajectory.

Lindstrom's Everton Journey and Hopes

Lindstrom's own journey has taken him on loan to Everton from Serie A, where he's been working to find his footing in the Premier League. His comments about the adjustment to English football are relatable for many players making the same transition: "As the games go on and with the more game-time I get, the more rhythm I will have." This shows his commitment to improving his performance and becoming a key contributor to the Toffees. He expressed his desire for a permanent move to Everton, stating, "I will do everything I can for them to buy me because I like it here." His commitment to the club and to improve his game is clear.

A Tough December Ahead for Everton

Everton, currently battling near the relegation zone, faces a daunting December fixture list. With games against Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea on the horizon, this clash against Manchester United is a critical one for them. The Toffees will need to leverage every opportunity to secure points against any opponent. Their recent failure to score in their last three matches adds urgency to their need for a win. This Sunday's match is a litmus test for their ability to compete against top flight clubs.

The Importance of the Match: Manchester United's Perspective

For Manchester United, the match represents an opportunity to build momentum under their new manager, Ruben Amorim. Amorim's first win as United boss came just days before in the Europa League. The victory over Bodo/Glimt showcased some promising signs for the team. With Everton's struggling form and a home advantage, this presents an ideal opportunity for Amorim to secure his first Premier League win at Old Trafford and build on the confidence gained from the Europa League success. Hojlund's two goals against Bodo/Glimt also provided a much-needed boost to his confidence.

A Battle of Friends, a Clash of Titans

This Sunday's match between Manchester United and Everton is much more than just a simple football game; it's a clash of styles, ambitions, and a unique narrative between two childhood friends turned Premier League rivals. Lindstrom's playful plea and Hojlund's resolute response set the stage for an exciting and potentially dramatic encounter. While the competitive fire will burn brightly on the pitch, it's clear that the mutual respect and friendship between these two Danish talents will endure, regardless of the final score.

The upcoming game at Old Trafford promises to be a captivating match that will undoubtedly keep fans of both clubs on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, this is a tale of friendly competition and the triumph of hard work and ambition, reflecting the essence of professional football. The anticipation for the match is high and the future of both players is bright, and will certainly be shaped in years to come.