Erik ten Hag explains how he plans to navigate Rasmus Hojlund’s ‘setback’ until forward returns

Manchester United are undergoing their final preparations ahead of facing Fulham in this afternoon’s 3pm Premier League kick-off at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag has been dealt two significant fitness blows over the past week with Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund added to the list of sidelined players – just as fans had hoped that the debilitating injury crisis was finally coming to an end.

Both are tremendous misses for the forthcoming matches, especially given that United travel to the Etihad for derby day on March 3, but Hojlund’s setback, in particular, has concerned supporters due to the prolific goalscoring form he’d hit in 2024; seven goals in his past six league matches has seen the youngster’s confidence skyrocket and had the team looking revitalised in their top-four charge.

The only other recognised centre-forward, Anthony Martial, is also unavailable through a groin complaint, so Ten Hag will be looking to utilise his other forwards centrally or turn to the more inexperienced – but highly promising – youth talents.

Ten Hag responds to striker concerns

He spoke on the matter in a matchday Q&A with club media, assuring that he trusts his squad to get the job done and step up to the plate in Hojlund’s absence. 

“We have our options in our squad,” Ten Hag began. “Of course, it’s a setback for Rasmus. It’s a setback for us that we can’t keep this process going from the three [Hojlund, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho] in the frontline. 

“They were really complementary to each other lately, but I think also we can put out other frontlines who can become complementary and co-operate well together and create chances. As I said, they are all capable of scoring goals.”