Alan Shearer, a Newcastle United icon, has praised Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund for his stoppage time goal against Newport County in the FA Cup fourth round.

The Red Devils took an early two-goal lead at Rodney Parade. Alejandro Garnacho could have pushed the score 3-0 in their favour. The Argentine’s effort struck the woodwork.

Newport unexpectedly cut the gap with a spectacular 25-yard strike before tying the game after the break. In the 68th minute, United took the lead through Antony.

They were on the verge of victory until Hojlund broke the deadlock in the 94th minute. Shearer expressed his happiness for the young Dane following the game.

The Magpies great believes the striker toiled and deserved his goal because he never stopped. He told BBC Sport: “I thought he toiled and did well up front, and he deserved his goal for everything he did, he never stopped all afternoon.” You have to keep going; he deserved it.”

Hojlund has not seen much action in the final third since his arrival at Old Trafford. Against Newport, it was a same story in the second half, with United in the back seat.

The Dane still had 41 touches and 19 good passes. Aside from his goal, he made two important passes and won 100% of his take-ons against the League Two side.

United were usually anticipated to defeat Newport, but they had to work hard for the victory after making some poor defensive decisions. Casemiro struggled to maintain control in midfield.

The Brazilian has only recently returned from a lengthy hamstring injury and does not appear to be fully prepared. We wouldn’t be surprised if he’s dropped to the bench against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Meanwhile, Hojlund has started to find his feet, scoring four goals in his previous four games. United will need him to be in top form in the coming months to qualify for Europe and win the FA Cup.