Hojlund injury will decide the future of TWO Man Utd stars

Robin Bairner

• 23 Feb 2024 13:31 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United have announced that Rasmus Hojlund facing three weeks on the sidelines because of a muscular injury.

Hojlund experienced a slow start to life in the Premier League but in recent weeks has become one of the form players in the division.

In his last six league outings, the 21-year-old Dane has scored seven goals, with his double in last weekend’s match against Luton a decisive contribution for the Old Trafford club.

Man Utd now face a problem without a player who is rapidly emerging as one of their stars. Manager Erik ten Hag no longer has a natural centre-forward at his disposal.

Anthony Martial is out injured, with no imminent return for a player who will be released on a free transfer at the end of the season, while Mason Greenwood is exiled to Getafe on loan.

Ten Hag has two options to resolve this issue.

Perhaps the most obvious solution would be to move Marcus Rashford to centre-forward and restore Antony on the wing.

Given the Brazilian’s troubles this season – he does not have a single goal contribution in the Premier League or Champions League – and questions over Rashford’s attitude, the obvious move might not be the best one.

Instead, Scott McTominay could be used as a traditional No.9. It is a role that he played in his youth, while the Scotland international is the club’s joint leading scorer in the league along with Hojlund. Indeed, the 27-year-old’s efforts have also won more points than any other United player this season.

Ahead of the summer, there is doubt over the future of both Antony and McTominay, either of whom could eradicate this with a strong performance in Hojlund’s injury-enforced absence.

What matches will Hojlund miss?

Man Utd have indicated that Hojlund will miss two to three weeks.

He will, therefore, definitely sit out Man Utd’s home encounter against Fulham on Saturday, the trip to Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup on Wednesday and the derby against Manchester City next week.

Hojlund will also very probably be forced out of the Premier League clash against Everton on 9 March and must be seen as a doubt to play Sheffield United a week later.