Rasmus Hojlund has not yet made his competitive debut for Manchester United this season, but he is expected to be part of the squad for their upcoming match against Crystal Palace on Saturday. This is a notable development, especially since he has been recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during his preseason debut against Arsenal on July 27. After weeks of rehabilitation, the 21-year-old has traveled with the team to London and could play, potentially from the bench.
For manager Erik ten Hag, Hojlund’s possible return is a significant advantage. His availability is particularly important given the £62 million transfer fee the club paid for him. While United has managed to secure two convincing wins against Southampton and Barnsley this week, scoring 10 goals in total, Hojlund’s return would enhance their attacking options.
Ten Hag now faces a selection challenge ahead of the match at Selhurst Park. With attacking talents like Amad, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Joshua Zirkzee all in good form, deciding on his front line will be difficult. Hojlund’s presence complicates this, as he is likely in contention for at least a spot on the bench, adding competition for places.
Mason Mount’s fitness is also being monitored, as he has returned to training after his injury. Ten Hag, while encouraged by the progress of both Hojlund and Mount, is proceeding cautiously. He mentioned that the medical team will assess both players before finalizing the matchday squad. Although Mount was not seen traveling with the squad, this does not rule out his involvement, as some players arrived through a private terminal.
The Dutch manager expressed optimism about their recovery, stating, “It’s very good news that they are back on the pitch. We need to see if they are fit enough to start, but it’s encouraging they are back in the squad.” Ten Hag emphasized the importance of managing their reintegration carefully, reflecting on last season when injuries stretched the squad thin.
With a deeper squad this season, Ten Hag is better equipped to manage player workloads. He noted the necessity of caution while also pushing boundaries in top football: “With a full squad, it’s easier to manage workloads, especially compared to last season.”
Additionally, Manuel Ugarte could also play a significant role in the upcoming match. The midfielder, spotted traveling with the squad, may make his first Premier League start, adding depth to United’s midfield as they enter a busy fixture schedule.
The traveling squad includes experienced players like Tom Heaton, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, and Casemiro, along with creative midfielders like Christian Eriksen and dynamic attackers like Antony and Garnacho. This mix of experience and youth provides Ten Hag with various options for the match against Crystal Palace.
As Hojlund’s potential return approaches, excitement among Manchester United fans is growing. His signing was seen as a major acquisition, and his return could energize the team as they aim to maintain their strong performance in the Premier League and other competitions. While Ten Hag will be cautious in reintegrating players, the signs point to increased squad depth and competition, benefiting the club’s ambitions this season.
