Erik ten Hag, the head coach of Manchester United, has shared the promising news that Rasmus Hojlund, the new United striker, has participated in his first complete training session with the first team. The Dutch manager announced this during the pre-match press conference leading up to Saturday’s Premier League encounter with Nottingham Forest, scheduled for 15:00 BST.
Although Hojlund won’t be taking part in the action this weekend, ten Hag provided an optimistic update that is sure to stir excitement among the fans, especially considering the Reds’ packed schedule in the coming weeks.
“Today, for the first time, he came into team training,” ten Hag told the reporters in response to a question about Hojlund’s readiness for competitive football. “Next week we expect him to do a full week with all the team trainings. So he’s very near to making the squad.”
The Danish international has not yet played for United since making his summer transfer from the Italian side Atalanta. Hojlund was formally introduced to the Old Trafford crowd ahead of the 3-1 pre-season victory over Lens on 5 August. However, his progress towards full fitness has been carefully managed since then, owing to a reported issue with his back.
In Hojlund’s absence, Marcus Rashford has been the key figure leading the attack for the Reds in the first two weeks of the season. Meanwhile, Anthony Martial, Hojlund’s fellow centre-forward, is also working on getting ready for his first start of the 2023/24 campaign.
Ten Hag on Manchester United’s injury crisis:
“That is the situation, it’s normal, top football, you got to the limits, injuries coming up, always disappointing but you have to deal with it and construct a squad. And deal with it.”
Erik ten Hag asked about Mason Greenwood:
“Look, we are not where we want to be with our team, I have a lot of work and a lot of focus on my team, so I focus on the players who are available. I only have statements about our performance, our squad, where we have to improve because it’s clear, we have to improve. I have to put every effort in to get the team to perform.”
Hopefully Manchester United can get a result against Nottingham Forest tomorrow at Old Trafford.
