‘Elite’ United starter makes concerning injury admission over his ability to play a full 90 minutes

Rasmus Hojlund has been made to overcome numerous injury setbacks since his Manchester United tenure began last year.

The young Dane returned from the Euros with Denmark in the summer to feature in United’s pre-season tour before sustaining a hamstring injury in the opening match against Arsenal. 

Hojlund’s setback meant that he would miss the beginning of the 2024/2025 campaign, as he did in 2023/2024. Luckily for Erik ten Hag, he’d been granted the addition of centre-forward Joshua Zirkzee, who scored on his club debut on the opening day win over Fulham. 

As for the No.9, he featured for the first time in the closing stages of last month’s stalemate with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. He then made a 17-minute cameo off the bench in the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur before starting and playing 64 minutes against Aston Villa before the international break.

He is yet to get off the mark in the Premier League but did open his account for the season when scoring in the six-goal thriller at the Estadio de Dragao, as the Reds claimed a late point in their Europa League clash with FC Porto. 

Since being called up to represent his nation over the break, the 21-year-old has made an honest admission regarding his current fitness status, and it’s one that Ten Hag must take heed of when preparing for the return of club action next Saturday. 

Hojlund makes honest fitness admission after hamstring setback

Speaking to reporters ahead of Denmark’s Nations League double-header, Hojlund, whom StatmanDave previously labelled ‘elite’, conceded that he’d be unable to play the entire 90 minutes.

“There is no point in rushing things and risking another injury. My body feels good again,” the forward said, via Manchester Evening News. “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.”

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.”

Kasper Hjulmand’s side take on European champions Spain this evening before facing Switzerland on Tuesday.