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Manchester United have continued to struggle in front of goal in the new campaign, only netting twice in three Premier League games, a trend that has continued from last season.
In the previous campaign, the Red Devils were the joint-lowest scorers in the top half of the table with Erik ten Hag forced to heavily rely on debutant Rasmus Hojlund due to the lack of alternatives.
The Dane emerged as the top scorer in an otherwise difficult campaign and it was clear that the Dutchman put too much pressure on his young shoulders, which hampered his form and caused him injuries.
A lot was expected from the former Atalanta starlet in his sophomore campaign and despite a bright start to pre-season, the 21-year-old suffered an injury that was supposed to keep him sidelined for six weeks.
Rasmus injury
Six weeks are up and as per recent reports, the striker was supposed to feature in the game against Southampton after club football resumes post the first international break of the season.
However, ESPN have suggested that the 20-time English league champions do not want to repeat the same mistakes from last term and are prepared to be extra careful with Hojlund’s rehabilitation.
The Denmark international did not complete a full pre-season and Ten Hag has no plans of rushing him back into action this time around. He will be assessed before the game against the Saints but might sit the game out unless absolutely necessary.
“United will not rush Rasmus Højlund back from injury, a source told ESPN, even if it means keeping the striker sidelined for longer than the initial six-week timeframe.
“Sources told ESPN that United are taking a cautious approach to Højlund’s rehabilitation, particularly because of concerns that the Denmark international has not had the benefit of building up his fitness during summer.
Rehab plans
“He’s been working in the gym at Carrington and has been involved in individual sessions on the grass, but is yet to join in team training with the rest of Ten Hag’s squad.
“Højlund is set to be assessed again this week ahead of the trip to Southampton on Saturday, but sources have told ESPN that he will not be pressed back into action too soon with plans in place to ease him back in gently.”
Ten Hag has Joshua Zirkzee at the club now and while the Dutchman has struggled in the opening few weeks, a goal on international duty will do his confidence a world of good.
Hopefully, the former Bologna star can get the job done away at St Mary’s Stadium so that the Red Devils do not need to call upon the Dane who will be needed much more as the season progresses.
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