When Manchester United signed Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta for a hefty £72 million, expectations soared sky-high. Fans eagerly awaited the young Danish striker’s debut in a United shirt. Unfortunately, the debut of the 20-year-old seems to be on hold, thanks to a lingering back issue. According to Samuel Luckhurst, a renowned journalist, United supporters will need to exercise their patience a bit longer. Hojlund is set to miss out on key clashes against Nottingham Forest and Arsenal, pushing his debut to sometime after the international break next month. As we await his recovery, let’s delve into what this delay means for the club and the player himself.
The Striker Void at Manchester United
The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in November 2022 left a considerable void in United’s attack. Although Anthony Martial has the skills to fill that gap, his injury proneness remains a concern. Last season, he only managed 29 appearances, scoring nine goals and assisting three. This inconsistency clearly illustrates the need for a reliable striker, and that’s where Hojlund comes into the picture. Last season, he bagged nine goals and four assists in 32 Serie A games for Atalanta. Furthermore, he showcased his international prowess by scoring six goals in just six games for Denmark. These stats suggest he could be the missing piece in United’s attacking jigsaw.
A Tactical Quandary for Erik ten Hag
As Hojlund heals, United’s manager Erik ten Hag has been leaning on Marcus Rashford to lead the attack. But it’s evident that Rashford is more at home on the left wing, his preferred position. In the first two games of the season, Rashford’s performance as a central striker has been lacklustre. With Hojlund sidelined, ten Hag faces a tactical conundrum. Does he stick with Rashford up front and hope for improvement, or does he shuffle the pack and seek alternative solutions? Once Hojlund is fit to play, Rashford will likely move back to the left, providing more balance and potency to United’s attack.
What Delayed Debut Means for Rasmus Hojlund?
The delay in Hojlund’s debut is also a setback for the young striker himself. At just 20, he has moved to one of the world’s biggest clubs and carries the weight of expectation. Every game he misses is a missed opportunity to adapt to English football and make an impression. However, it’s crucial for both the player and the club to ensure he’s fully fit before making his debut. Rushing him could aggravate his back issue and potentially lead to longer-term problems.
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The delay in Rasmus Hojlund’s Manchester United debut is a curveball for everyone involved. For United, it prolongs the quest to find a reliable striker and puts added pressure on Rashford. For Hojlund, it delays his dream debut and the chance to justify his hefty price tag. However, if he can hit the ground running upon his return, all will likely be forgotten quickly. For now, it’s a waiting game, one that both the fans and the club hope will be worth it in the end.
