“He is not going to be playing against Crystal Palace this evening. I have my reasons and I know he has been performing well but getting to play every time has gotten into his head. So he’s staying on the bench for his own good” – This is according to the Manager of Manchester United as he keeps “‘Unbelievable’ Manchester United star on the bench against Crystal Palace.”
Manchester United forward Rasmus Højlund is set to rejoin the squad for their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday night, according to a report from the Manchester Evening News.
The Red Devils are targeting a third consecutive win this season, following their dominant 3-0 win over Southampton and a 7-0 rout of League One’s Barnsley at Old Trafford earlier in the week.
Manager Erik ten Hag, returning to the venue where his team suffered a 4-0 defeat last season, has received a major boost as Højlund, the club’s £72 million summer signing, has recovered from a hamstring injury and is included in the matchday squad for the first time this season.
Højlund Ready to Make His Return
The Danish striker is likely to begin the match on the bench.
Earlier in the week, it was confirmed that Højlund had rejoined first-team training for the first time since sustaining a hamstring injury in a pre-season match against Arsenal, a game in which he also netted a goal on his summer debut.
Højlund has missed all Premier League and EFL Cup matches since the injury, with Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee stepping up in his absence, putting in commendable performances as the team’s striking options.
However, after defeats to Brighton and Liverpool this season, Erik ten Hag will be relieved to have his top striker available once again. According to the Manchester Evening News, Højlund is expected to feature on the bench for Saturday’s fixture at Selhurst Park.
Højlund joined Manchester United from Atalanta last summer in a transfer deal that could rise to £72 million. Despite an initial struggle at Old Trafford, he concluded the season as the team’s leading scorer across all competitions, netting 16 goals.
Now wearing the number nine jersey, a sign of the club’s faith in him, Højlund is eager to make his comeback and solidify his position as the preferred striker in Ten Hag’s competitive attacking lineup.
Højlund’s 2023/24 Premier League Stats:
– Appearances: 30
– Goals: 10
– Assists: 2
– Shots per 90: 1.58
– Key passes per 90: 1.17
– Successful take-ons per 90: 0.75
