United to take a ‘cautious approach’ with sidelined fan-favourite who could be out longer than initially expected

Manchester United will not rush Rasmus Hojlund back to action following a delayed start to the season.

Indeed, the fan-favourite Dane has yet to appear for United this term after sustaining a hamstring injury on the pre-season tour of the United States. In the game against Arsenal, Erik ten Hag lost both Hojlund and new recruit Leny Yoro to setbacks.

Having scored 16 goals in his maiden Old Trafford campaign, supporters had hoped the 21-year-old would pick up where he left off in playing an integral role leading the line this season, though responsibility has since fallen on Bruno Fernandes – in a false nine – and counterpart Joshua Zirkzee in his absence.

It was thought that Hojlund would return to the fold this weekend when the Reds travel to face Southampton for Saturday’s early kick-off, given that the initial layoff timeframe given by the club has now passed.

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Hojlund made wait for United return

However, ESPN claims United are taking a ‘cautious approach’ when it comes to reintegrating the centre-forward amid fears of an injury crisis akin to last season’s. Such concerns are only furthered by the fact that he did not have as much of a pre-season as they’d have hoped, spending just a week training at Carrington before he suffered his setback.