Manchester United’s latest signing Rasmus Hojlund is yet to make his debut for the club as he has been out injured ever since officially signing in early August.
Hojlund has been out with a reported stress fracture in his back that he suffered during preseason training with his previous club Atalanta.
Latest reports have suggested that the Dane is now in contention to make his long-awaited debut for the Red Devils against old rivals Arsenal on September 3.
Manager Erik ten Hag also suggested in an interview on Friday that the striker could make his debut at the Emirates Stadium. Ten Hag said: “[He’s] near. Today [Friday], for the first time, he came into team training so next week we expect him to do a full week of team training so he is near to the squad.”
Hojlund was also named in Denmark’s squad for the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers during the international break, providing further evidence that the youngster is now back fit.
Denmark’s national team manager Kasper Hjulmand also provided a positive update on the player’s fitness. He said: “I’ve been in Manchester to watch Rasmus train and he’s in full gear, so he’ll probably be in the squad for the weekend [against Arsenal]. There is of course a caveat, and he must show that he is ready this week.”
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Hojlund’s return to fitness is of great importance to United as they are keen to see what their new striker can do at Old Trafford. They have been crying out for a focal point in all of their three Premier League games up till this point.
Marcus Rashford played through the middle in the first two games but looked to be horribly out of place. Anthony Martial started as the number 9 against Forest at the weekend which allowed Rashford to operate from the left flank, where he looked more like his old self.
Martial did not look especially sharp but Rashford’s great performance while returning back to his natural position was no coincidence. The return of Hojlund will allow ten Hag to finally have a natural striker up front while his most dangerous player can go back to his natural position on the left wing.
Hojlund is expected to be part of the travelling squad for the game at the weekend but it is likely that either Martial or Rashford will start the game up front. The youngster is more likely to come off the bench to make his debut as he is just returning from injury.
Many fans and observers will be keen to see how the 20-year-old fares at one of the biggest stages in the world. United fans will surely be excited to see the £72 million-man in action for the very first time.
