Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has revealed that one of his most valuable assets, Rasmus Hojlund, has faced a “disaster” of a season so far. Despite this challenging period, Ten Hag remains confident that things will change for the £64 million signing, who is expected to play a crucial role in the club’s future success.
A Difficult Start for Manchester United
Manchester United’s 2024/25 Premier League campaign has been far from smooth. The optimism that surrounded the club at the start of the season quickly faded after back-to-back defeats against Brighton and Liverpool. These losses significantly dented the morale within the squad, and any sense of early-season momentum seemed to evaporate.
While Manchester United was reeling from these disappointing results, their manager Ten Hag pointed to a significant factor contributing to the team’s struggles: the injury list. The squad has been plagued by injuries from the start of the campaign, mirroring the issues they faced the previous season, where injuries also played a major role in United’s poor performance.
Ten Hag’s side has, however, shown some promise following the international break. United scored an impressive 10 goals in two consecutive games, securing victories over Southampton and Barnsley. Despite these wins, the club has yet to face tougher opposition, and the true test of their progress will come in the weeks ahead as they take on stronger teams.
Injury Woes Continue to Haunt United
One of the key issues for Manchester United has been the frequency of injuries affecting their squad. The injury bug seems to have carried over from last season, with several first-team players sidelined at the start of the new campaign. Among those missing are key players like Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof, Mason Mount, and Tyrell Malacia. Adding to this long list is Rasmus Hojlund, United’s marquee summer signing, who has been absent due to a pre-season hamstring injury.
Hojlund, a highly anticipated addition to United’s attacking lineup, is yet to make his competitive debut for the club. The 21-year-old forward was brought in to bolster United’s attacking options, but his absence has left the team without the dynamic presence he was expected to bring to the pitch. His injury occurred during United’s pre-season clash against Arsenal, and since then, the striker has been working tirelessly to regain fitness.
Ten Hag didn’t shy away from labeling Hojlund’s pre-season injury as a “disaster.” The manager emphasized how unfortunate it was for both the player and the team, as the injury derailed plans to integrate Hojlund into the squad early in the season.
Hojlund Nearing Return
There is, however, a silver lining for United fans, as Hojlund has recently returned to training and is on the verge of making his long-awaited debut. The Danish forward is expected to be in contention for a return to action in the upcoming Premier League clash against Crystal Palace. His return could not come at a better time for United, who are keen to find more attacking firepower as the season progresses.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Ten Hag expressed his satisfaction with Hojlund’s recovery efforts: “It’s always very pleasing for a manager when players are available. Rasmus, as we all know, pre-season was a disaster for him. He’s been working so hard and he’s on the point to return.”
Hojlund’s return could provide a significant boost to United’s attacking options. While his absence has been felt, the player has been putting in the work behind the scenes to regain his fitness and make an impact when he returns to the pitch.
Where Does Hojlund Fit into the Team?
With Hojlund close to full fitness, the question now arises: how does he fit into Manchester United’s current setup? The club’s attacking options are beginning to look more promising, especially after positive performances from the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Amad Diallo. These young forwards have impressed with their energy and attacking prowess, making it difficult for Ten Hag to determine who should start.
The fans, too, are eager to see how Ten Hag manages his attacking lineup. Many are calling for Garnacho, Amad, and Rashford to start together in what would be an exciting and dynamic forward trio. However, Hojlund’s imminent return will undoubtedly shake things up.
Joshua Zirkzee, another forward in Ten Hag’s squad, has also shown glimpses of promise. His hold-up play and ability to link up with midfielders have impressed many, and he could provide competition for Hojlund in the starting lineup. While there’s no guaranteed spot for Hojlund, his presence will add depth and variety to United’s attack, which will be crucial as the season progresses.
Ten Hag’s Confidence in Internal Competition
Ten Hag welcomes the competition within his squad, noting that having multiple options is beneficial for the team. “Internal competition is good,” he said. “But also, we have a squad with more than 11 for the line-up. We have to pick the team from game to game – sometimes from a tactical approach but also load management because we have to cover so many games.”
This internal competition will push Hojlund to earn his spot in the starting lineup. With several forwards vying for a place in the team, Hojlund will have to prove himself once he returns to full fitness. While he may not immediately displace any of the current starters, his potential and talent are undeniable, and Ten Hag will be eager to see how he fits into the team’s overall strategy.
Looking Ahead
Manchester United’s season is still in its early stages, and there is much to play for. The team has shown signs of improvement since the international break, but tougher tests lie ahead. As Hojlund nears his return, Ten Hag will be hoping that the Danish striker can provide the cutting edge United needs in attack.
The competition for places within the squad will only intensify with Hojlund’s return, and this could be a positive factor in pushing players to perform at their best. United’s injury woes have certainly played a role in their slow start to the season, but with key players returning to fitness, Ten Hag will be looking to build momentum and push his team towards a stronger finish.
For Hojlund, the focus will be on staying fit and making the impact that United fans have been eagerly anticipating. With his return on the horizon, the club’s supporters will be hoping that their £64 million man can turn his fortunes around and become the difference-maker United so desperately need in their quest for success this season.