Roy Keane spots key difference with 'on fire' Man Utd striker Rasmus Hojlund after win vs Aston Villa

Roy Keane believes Rasmus Hojlund's growing confidence has been key to his recent form for Manchester United.

Hojlund netted his fifth goal in as many games on Sunday as United won 2-1 at top-four rivals Aston Villa. The 20-year-old was on hand to poke the ball home from close-range, following Harry Maguire's knockdown from a corner. Douglas Luiz equalised for the home side before Scott McTominay's late winner.

After a worrying start to life at Old Trafford - with no goals in his first 14 Premier League matches - Hojlund is enjoying a great run of form in front of goal. And Keane believes the growing confidence that comes with each goal will only help the young United striker further.

“He’s on fire, again it's taken him a few months to get up to speed,” Keane told Sky Sports of Hojlund after full-time. “He’s part of a settled team now, he's got confidence. His confidence and that belief he must have now, before he walks on the pitch he'll think ‘I’m going to score a goal for Manchester United’.

“It's a good return, considering the first few months he had. What didn't help, he moved to a big club, the team weren’t playing well, they weren’t creating that many chances and he came to the club with an injury. But he’s showing good form now.”

Hojlund has hit form at the perfect time for United, given he is their only natural choice to lead the line. Back-up option Anthony Martial is out until around April after undergoing surgery on a groin issue last month, with financial constraints stopping Erik ten Hag from getting another No.9 in the January transfer window.

The £72million summer signing got into double figures with a wonderful goal in the 3-0 win at home to West Ham last weekend and is now on 11 after finding the net at Villa Park. This is now the most prolific season in Hojlund's early career.