In a devastating blow to their top-four ambitions, Manchester United will be without their talismanic striker, Rasmus Hojlund, for the next two to three weeks. The Danish international sustained a muscle tear, confirmed by manager Erik ten Hag, leaving a significant void in the Red Devils' attack during a critical period of the season.
Ten Hag Confirms Setback Ahead of Fulham Clash
Speaking ahead of United's Premier League fixture against Fulham, a sombre Erik ten Hag delivered the unwelcome news to fans. "Rasmus Hojlund will be out for the next two to three weeks with a muscle injury," the Dutchman stated, highlighting the severity of the issue picked up during the frantic 1-0 victory over Luton Town.
This injury couldn't have come at a worse time. Hojlund had been in scintillating form, finally silencing his early-season critics with a prolific goalscoring run that had propelled United's charge towards the Champions League places.
Who Steps Up? United's Attacking Dilemma
With their £72 million man sidelined, the goal-scoring burden now falls onto others. All eyes will turn to Marcus Rashford to rediscover his best form, while the experienced Anthony Martial, recently back from his own lengthy absence, may be called upon sooner than expected.
The timing is particularly cruel given Hojlund's meteoric rise. After a slow start following his big-money move from Atalanta, the 21-year-old had become the league's most in-form striker, netting seven goals in his last six Premier League appearances.
A Season of Struggles Amplified
This setback is emblematic of Manchester United's injury-plagued campaign. Key players like Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, and Mason Mount have spent significant periods in the treatment room, severely disrupting any consistency in Ten Hag's plans.
Losing their main source of goals for pivotal fixtures is a monumental challenge. The club's ability to adapt and find goals from alternative sources will be the ultimate test of their resilience and top-four credentials.
