Rasmus Hojlund injury revealed & when Man Utd striker could make his debut

Rasmus Hojlund was unveiled as a Manchester United player on Saturday but supporters will have to wait a while for the striker to make his debut for the club.

Hojlund was presented as United's third summer signing and appeared on the Old Trafford pitch ahead of Saturday’s 3-1 win over Lens, with the striker arriving from Atalanta for an initial fee of £64m, but that could rise to £72m.

The Danish international will provide another option for Erik ten Hag in the no.9 role, along with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, even if the latter isn’t fit at this stage and could move on this summer.

That means it will be Rashford who will lead the line in the early weeks of the new campaign, as Hojlund has been ruled out for a few weeks with a knock he suffered while at Atalanta. The Danish international is training, but won’t be match fit for another few weeks.

The club don’t plan to rush Hojlund back and he looks unlikely to be involved in United’s opening Premier League match of the campaign at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on 14 August. Instead, the upcoming fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur (19 August), Nottingham Forest (26 August) or Arsenal (3 September) look more likely opportunities in which Hojlund could make his Red Devils’ debut.

Speaking after his transfer was confirmed, the 20-year-old said: “It is no secret that I have been a fan of this great club since I was a small boy, and I dreamed of walking out at Old Trafford as a Manchester United player.

“I am incredibly excited by this opportunity to turn that dream into a reality, and I am determined to repay the faith that the club has shown in me. It is still early in my career, but I know that I am ready to make this step up and play with this group of world-class players.

“Once I had spoken to the manager, I knew that this environment would be perfect for my development; I am relishing the opportunity to work with one of the best coaches in the world. Under his guidance and support I know that I am capable of achieving great things together with my new teammates at this special club.”