Rasmus Hojlund has yet to make his competitive debut for Manchester United this season, but the young striker is expected to be part of the squad for their upcoming match against Crystal Palace on Saturday. His inclusion in the squad comes as a significant development, especially given the challenges he’s faced with injury since his preseason debut on July 27 against Arsenal, where he sustained a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined ever since. Now, after weeks of recovery, the 21-year-old has traveled with the team to London and could play a role in the game, even if it’s just from the bench.
For Erik ten Hag, the potential return of Hojlund is a huge boost. The manager will be delighted to have the young striker available once again, especially considering the hefty £62 million fee the club paid to sign him. Hojlund’s absence has been felt, but United has managed to cope without him, securing two comfortable victories against Southampton and Barnsley this week, scoring 10 goals in the process. Nevertheless, his return adds another dimension to United’s attack as the team looks to build on its recent success.
Ten Hag now faces a selection dilemma ahead of the game at Selhurst Park. With a wealth of attacking talent at his disposal, including players like Amad, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Joshua Zirkzee, all of whom are in excellent form, choosing his front line will be a challenge. Hojlund’s return only complicates this decision further. Having been spotted traveling with the squad, his presence indicates that he is in contention for at least a place on the bench, if not more. His inclusion adds competition for places and gives Ten Hag additional options, particularly with the busy schedule United faces in the coming weeks.
Another player whose fitness is under scrutiny is Mason Mount, who has also resumed training this week after his own injury layoff. Ten Hag, while encouraged by the progress of both Hojlund and Mount, is adopting a cautious approach. Speaking ahead of the match, Ten Hag confirmed that the club’s medical team would assess both players before making a final decision on whether they would be included in the matchday squad. While Mount was not pictured with the traveling squad, that doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t be involved, as some players were seen arriving via a private terminal at the airport.
The Dutch manager expressed optimism about their recovery, saying, “It’s very good news that they are back on the pitch. They are back in team training, and we need to determine if they are fit enough to start, but it’s very encouraging that they are fit and back in the squad.” Ten Hag is mindful of the need to balance the players’ reintegration with the demands of top-level football, stressing the importance of not rushing them back too quickly.
Ten Hag’s experience from last season, where injuries left the squad stretched thin at times, has shaped his approach to managing player workloads. This season, with a deeper squad at his disposal, he is better positioned to manage the demands placed on his team. He remarked, “You have to be cautious, but top football involves pushing boundaries. With a full squad, it’s easier to manage workloads, especially compared to last season when we had to overload players.”
In addition to Hojlund and Mount, another player who could be set for a significant role in the upcoming match is Manuel Ugarte. The midfielder, who was spotted arriving with the squad, could be in line for his first Premier League start. Ugarte’s arrival further strengthens United’s midfield options, adding depth and versatility as the team prepares for a busy period of fixtures. His presence in the squad is an exciting prospect for fans, who are eager to see how he performs on the big stage.
The confirmed squad members traveling to London include seasoned players like Tom Heaton, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, and Casemiro, along with creative midfielders like Christian Eriksen and exciting attackers like Antony and Garnacho. This blend of experience and youthful talent gives Ten Hag plenty of options as he finalizes his game plan for the match against Crystal Palace.
As Hojlund’s potential return draws nearer, the excitement among Manchester United fans continues to build. His signing was seen as a major coup for the club, and his ability to make an impact could provide a fresh impetus as United looks to maintain its strong form in both the Premier League and other competitions. While Ten Hag will take a cautious approach to reintegrating his returning players, the signs are positive that Manchester United is entering a period of increased squad depth and competition for places, which can only bode well for the club’s ambitions this season.