Why Rasmus Hojlund won't be playing for Manchester United this weekend? The Red Devils will be without their star striker for a long period of time
Manchester United kick off the new Premier League season on Friday night against Fulham, but Rasmus Hojlund will not be involved.
The Danish striker is set for his second season at Old Trafford after joining from Atalanta last summer.
He had to take on the burden as the main striker in Erik the Hag'sy system showed flashes of brilliance mixed with crudeness.
Unfortunately, Man United Fans will now have to wait a while to see him in action this year, leaving the Red Devils short on attacking options.
Why isn't Rasmus Hojlund playing?
The 21-year-old has suffered a hamstring injury, which is expected to keep him out of action for six weeks.
He suffered the injury during the Red Devils' 2-1 pre-season defeat to Arsenal at the end of July.
United opened the scoring with Höjlund's well-taken goal before being taken off moments later with a hamstring problem.
This means that you will lose the opener against Fulhamlive on talkSPORT.
He will also be absent from the Premier League matches against Brighton and Liverpool.
He is likely to return for United's trip to the south coast to face Southampton on September 14.
However, a visit to Selhurst Park on September 21 could be a more realistic return date.
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Instead, Marcus Rashford either Joshua Zirkzee They are likely to be filled.
The former started the Community Shield against Manchester City as the lone striker, so is likely the favourite to lead the attack until Hojlund returns.
Zirkzee was an unused substitute during the 1-1 draw with City, meaning he did not play any of the pre-season with his new teammates after Joining from Bologna Earlier this summer.
The Dutchman had some extra time off after being part of the Netherlands squad that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
As a result, he is unlikely to be anywhere near match fitness.
This puts a lot of pressure on Rashford, who prefers to operate from the left of the front three.
But with Hojlund out, the Red Devils will need the England international to step in until Zirkzee is fit or Hojlund returns.
