Manchester United has received some positive injury news regarding two star players: Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount. Cameras spotted both back in normal training on Wednesday. The Danish center-forward has been out of action since suffering a hamstring injury during preseason. As a result, United has been forced to play without their typical starting striker.
Mount, on the other hand, has missed his club’s last three fixtures because of a muscular injury. The playmaker was last seen in a Premier League matchup with Brighton on August 24th. Manager Erik ten Hag replaced Mount at halftime as the Red Devils were behind at the break. United grabbed an equalizing in the game, but Brighton fought back with a later winner.
Injuries have unfortunately hindered both of the players since their arrival with the team. The duo cost the club a combined $153 million last summer. While expectations were high, Hojlund missed nine total matches throughout the 2023/24. Mount’s issues were even worse. The midfielder remained on the sidelines for 31 games during his freshman season in Manchester.
United has struggled to score without the duo in the team
News regarding the duo comes at a time when United is struggling in front of goal in Premier League play. The Red Devils recently beat League One side 7-0 in a Carabao Cup game on Tuesday. Nevertheless, Ten Hag’s team has underperformed against solid competition so far this season.
For instance, United players have created the third-most big chances early in the current campaign. Despite this, they are currently middle of the pack in Premier League goals scored with just five in four games. Much of this lack of activity in front of goal is due to missing big chances.
In fact, no other English top-flight team has squandered more big chances created than United (12). New summer signing Joshua Zirkzee leads the club with four of these major misses. Only Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins has failed to capitalize on such opportunities. Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho, however, also have missed multiple big chances as well.
Red Devils have tough few weeks ahead of the international break
Injuries may have hindered Mount’s United career so far, but he has previously shown the ability to be a star playmaker in the Premier League. He racked up an impressive 21 total direct goal contributions while with Chelsea just three seasons ago. Ten Hag needs the midfielder to be fit to be able to help the club’s scoring abilities moving forward.
Hojlund, despite his injury setbacks, has also shown himself to be a key figure for the Red Devils when fit. The Dane racked up 16 total goals in all competitions throughout the 2023/24 season. This included a stretch of seven goals in six matches back in February.
As United sits 10th in the current standings, recoveries of the duo come at the perfect time. The Red Devils need to get back on track fast and face some fairly tough competition looking ahead. Along with beginning their Europa League campaign next week, United faces Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa in league play before the next international break.
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