Inspired by the revitalised Hojlund, Manchester United made it three consecutive wins in all competitions as they climbed above West Ham into sixth place.
Finally emerging from a slow start to his first season with United following his move from Atalanta, Hojlund got his birthday party started in the 23rd minute at Old Trafford.
Casemiro’s pass reached Hojlund and the Denmark striker cleverly took a touch to find space for a fierce drive that flashed past Alphonse Areola from just inside the area.
After failing to score in the league until December 26, Hojlund now has five goals in his last six games in all competitions.
Alejandro Garnacho was left unmarked in the area for a 49th minute shot that deflected in off West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd.
United manager Erik ten Hag and West Ham boss David Moyes had laid wreaths on the pitch before kick-off to mark the anniversary of the 1958 Munich air crash that killed eight United players on the way back from a European Cup game in Belgrade.
United’s current crop cannot be compared to the ‘Busby Babes’ who perished in Munich, but Ten Hag’s team at least marked their memory with the kind of enterprising display that was the hallmark of their predecessors.
Fittingly, it was Garnacho — United’s brightest young star — who wrapped up the points with a cool finish in the 84th minute.
Nottingham Forest are two points above the relegation zone after a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.
Dutch forward Justin Kluivert gave Bournemouth the perfect start when he poked home in the fifth minute.
But Callum Hudson-Odoi hauled Forest level on the stroke of half-time with a curler from the edge of the area.
Bournemouth had Philip Billing sent off for a foul on Hudson-Odoi in the 84th minute.
