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Paul Merson was impressed with Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund\u2019s debut against Arsenal, but has urged caution over the \u00a372million signing.<\/p>\n
Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis<\/p>\n
Hojlund made his long-awaited debut at the Emirates on Sunday, coming off the bench after 67 minutes to replace Anthony Martial.<\/p>\n
While he was unable to prevent a 3-1 defeat for Erik ten Hag\u2019s side, the Denmark international impressed supporters and pundits with an energetic performance \u2013 with his manager adamant he should have been awarded a penalty.<\/p>\n
The 20-year-old also helped set up Alejandro Garnacho\u2019s late goal that could have won the game only for it to be ruled out for offside.<\/p>\n
Following Sunday\u2019s defeat with problems mounting at Old Trafford, Merson believes United are a \u2018million miles off\u2019 champions Manchester City, taking aim at their decision to sign Sergio Reguilon on loan from Tottenham on deadline day.<\/p>\n
And while admitting Hojlund \u2018looked good\u2019 against Arsenal, he recalled Mykhailo Mudryk\u2019s similarly bright debut for Chelsea against Liverpool following his \u00a388.5m move to Stamford Bridge in January. Since then, the 22-year-old has struggled to make much of an impression in west London.<\/p>\n
Merson wrote for Sky Sports: \u2018The Sir Alex Ferguson days are long gone. They\u2019re as far away from winning the league as you\u2019ll ever see.<\/p>\n
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\u2018I know everyone\u2019s a long way off Manchester City but they\u2019re a million miles off.<\/p>\n
\u2018You forget they\u2019re one of the biggest teams in the world. Man Utd can\u2019t even stump up \u00a37m for Marc Cucurella. They\u2019re taking a player [Sergio Reguilon] that can\u2019t even play for Tottenham.<\/p>\n
\u2018They\u2019ve got the Jadon Sancho thing now as well. Just keep it in-house.<\/p>\n
\u2018Rasmus Hojlund looked good \u2013 a right handful. But that was for 20 minutes. I saw Mykhailo Mudryk for 20 minutes at Liverpool in January and I haven\u2019t seen him since.\u2019<\/p>\n
Hojlund is currently on international duty with Denmark ahead of European Championship qualifiers against San Marino and Finland.<\/p>\n
The striker will hope to make his full United debut at home to Brighton on Saturday 16 September.<\/p>\n