Man United to be extra careful with Rasmus Hojlund’s rehabilitation, will not rush him back for Southampton game

Manchester United have continued to struggle in front of goal in the current season, scoring only twice in three Premier League games, a tendency that has continued from the previous season.

In the previous season, the Red Devils were the joint-lowest scorers in the top half of the standings, forcing Erik ten Hag to primarily rely on rookie Rasmus Hojlund owing to a lack of options.

The Dane was the top scorer in an otherwise difficult season, and it was evident that the Dutchman put too much strain on his young shoulders, impeded his form and caused him injury.

A lot was expected of the former Atalanta starlet in his sophomore season, and after a promising start to preseason, the 21-year-old sustained an injury that was expected to keep him out for six weeks.

Rasmus Injury
Six weeks have passed, and according to recent sources, the striker was expected to play against Southampton when club football resumed following the season’s first international break.

However, ESPN reports that the 20-time English league champions do not want to repeat last season’s mistakes and are taking extra precautions with Hojlund’s rehabilitation.

The Denmark international did not complete a full preseason, and Ten Hag has no intention of hurrying him back into action this time around. He will be evaluated before the game against the Saints, but he may sit out until absolutely necessary.

According to ESPN, United will not rush Rasmus Højlund’s return from injury, even if it means keeping the striker out for more than six weeks.

“Sources told ESPN that United are taking a careful approach to Højlund’s recuperation, particularly because of fears that the Denmark international has not built up his fitness throughout the summer.

Rehabilitation plans
“He’s been working out in the Carrington gym and doing solo sessions on the grass, but he has yet to join Ten Hag’s group for team training.

“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 now has Joshua Zirkzee at the club, and while the Dutchman has battled in the first few weeks, a goal on international service will boost his confidence significantly.

Hopefully, the former Bologna star can finish the job away from St Mary’s Stadium so that the Red Devils do not have to rely on the Dane, who will be needed more as the season develops.