RASMUS HOJLUND’S injury is a huge blow for Manchester United and leaves Erik ten Hag with a big dilemma.
The striker has picked up a muscle injury and could be sidelined for two to three weeks.
Rasmus Hojlund could miss up to three weeks through injuryPA
ReutersErik ten Hag has a dilemma on his hands[/caption]
He will miss the trip to Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup next week and the Manchester Derby at the beginning of next month.
United are without Anthony Martial due to injury too which leaves Ten Hag short of options in attack.
Injuries to Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka also mean United will have to have a makeshift backline, with Victor Lindelof likely to come in after coming on to replace Shaw against Aston Villa and Luton.
But there are a few solutions available to Ten Hag and SunSport has taken a look at how the Red Devils could line up in Hojlund’s absence.
Option One
Marcus Rashford moving centrally is the most obvious option for Ten Hag given the England star has played in that position several times in his career.
Rashford offers similar attributes to Hojlund in terms of pace and finishing, while he could stretch the opposition defence.
But playing Rashford down the middle means another winger would have to be brought into the side, meaning Antony will likely be recalled to the side.
Amad Diallo is another option as are youth prospects Charlie McNeil, Ethan Wheatley and Omari Forson, with the latter featuring against Wolves in the league last month.
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Option Two
Alternatively, Ten Hag could decide to keep Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho on the flanks as they have played a key role in recent wins.
But with a lack of fit strikers available the United boss may be forced to call upon Amad Diallo.
The youngster has missed almost the entirety of the season after suffering a knee injury in pre-season, but he would be a popular choice amongst fans.
One supporter called for his inclusion saying: “I swear if this doesn’t mean Diallo minutes I will lose patience with this manager.”
Another added: “We defo need Diallo over Antony.”
Option Three
If Ten Hag decides Diallo is not ready, he could look to United’s second top goalscorer – Scott McTominay.
The Scotland international has not played as a striker since his youth days but he has proved he knows where the net is this season with eight goals in all competitions.
He would provide height and physicality in attack and should be able to link play effectively with Rashford and Garnacho.
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