Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund is back fit after a hamstring injury delayed his start to the 2024/25 season – and his time on the sidelines brought a new outlook
Manchester United star Rasmus Hojlund says he is feeling good after missing the start of the season with an injury, but is wary of rushing his comeback.
Hojlund missed the first six games of the season after picking up a hamstring injury in a pre-season friendly against Arsenal in July. The 21-year-old was forced to endure a frustrating time, watching on as new arrival Joshua Zirkzee led the line for United.
He made his first appearance of the season in the 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace on September 21 and has been eased back into the squad by Erik ten Hag. The Danish international has made three substitute appearances, while playing 68 minutes and scoring in the frenetic 3-3 draw with Porto and 64 minutes in the stalemate at Aston Villa before the international break.
The United striker has joined up with the Denmark squad for their Nations League against Spain and Switzerland, but knows he will likely be a limited participant. Denmark take on European champions Spain in Murcia on Saturday before another away match against the Swiss in St Gallen on Tuesday.
“There is no point in rushing things and risking another injury,” Hojlund told reporters. “My body feels good again. I might be ready to play 90 minutes, but if I also use my brain a little bit, I don’t think 90 minutes on Saturday against Spain is a good idea.”
Denmark began their Nations League campaign with back-to-back 2-0 wins over Switzerland and Serbia in Hojlund’s absence. The youngster worked hard in the gym to get himself into shape and says he is now carrying a little less weight.
He added: “I’ve lost a little weight, but it doesn’t matter. I know there are some benefits to being a little lighter and some benefits to being a little heavier. I’m not focused on the scales. I’ve gotten used to the fact that my weight fluctuates a little bit.”
HAVE YOUR SAY! Can a fully-fit Rasmus Hojlund save Erik ten Hag’s job? Comment below.
A fully-fit Hojlund is a huge asset to Ten Hag, who is under immense pressure to get results following a dreadful run. United have gone five games without a win since Hojlund returned to the squad, drawing against Palace, FC Twente, Porto and Villa while losing 3-0 to Tottenham.
They have failed to score in four of their 10 matches across all competitions and have netted just five times in seven Premier League matches, with three of those goals coming against struggling Southampton. Only Saints, with four, have scored fewer goals in the league this season than United, who managed just 57 in 38 matches last season.
Hojlund will be hoping to come through the international break unscathed before returning to United for their match against Brentford next Saturday. United then face a trip to Turkey to play Fenerbahce in the Europa League and an away day in east London to play West Ham.
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