Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund faces six weeks out with a hamstring injury, which was sustained a muscle injury during a pre-season friendly against Arsenal. The match, held at the SoFi Stadium in California, saw Hojlund score an early goal before he was forced to leave the pitch due the injury.  Hojlund could miss up to five Premier League matches. This is a significant setback for Erik ten Hag, who recently expressed hope that his team would face fewer injuries this season.

As Hojlund works towards his recovery, Manchester United will need to adapt their strategy to cope with his absence. The team will rely on other players such as summer signing Joshua Zirkzee. The former Bologna striker was signed for £36.5m, will have to step up during this period, as United hope to make a good start to their Premier League campaign. Zirkzee just joined the squad for pre-season after he was given an extended holiday due to involvement with Netherlands squad for Euro 2024.

Manchester United fans are hopeful that Zirkzee will hit the ground running and soften the blow of losing Hojlund to injury for the start of the season.