Erik ten Hag has confirmed that new Manchester United signing Rasmus Hojlund will not feature against Wolves at Old Trafford on Monday night.
The Red Devils get their 2023-24 Premier League campaign underway against Gary O’Neil’s side, as they close out the opening round of fixtures.
Manchester United’s Danish forward Rasmus Hojlund reacts as he is introduced prior to the pre-season friendly football match between Manchester United and Lens at Old Trafford stadium, in Manchester, on August 5, 2023. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP) (Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)
Andre Onana and Mason Mount are both expected to be in the matchday squad, and when asked about Hojlund’s fitness Ten Hag said: “As we said previously, he had a small issue and he is not on the [same] levels our players are at in this moment. So now we have to train him. The prognosis is difficult to say. We are confident and we are positive.”
Tyrell Malacia, Amad and Kobbie Mainoo are also sidelined while goalkeeping duo Tom Heaton and Dean Henderson are also unavailable, meaning Onana is set to make his competitive debut for the club.
Ten Hag continued: “Some issues you don’t mention, are from last season. Like [Tyrell] Malacia. We have 30 players and I think we are really fit. Amad, a disappointment, Kobbie [Mainoo] absolutely. But that is what happens when you go to the limits. Injuries are not avoidable.
“We have a strong squad and I can pick a strong team. I think we showed that [in the friendlies last weekend] against Lens and against Athletic [Club]. We have more than 11 starting players.”
Meanwhile, Harry Maguire is expected to be available for selection for United’s opening game of the season. United have accepted a £30million offer from West Ham for the defender but it is unclear if he wishes to move to last season’s Europa League Conference winners.
The England international was removed as United captain by Ten Hag last month and is down the pecking order at centre-back. Asked if he would be available for selection, Ten Hag offered a short response, stating: “Of course.”
Source: thesun
