Why Rasmus Hojlund isn't starting for Manchester United vs Newcastle

Manchester United are looking to manage the minutes of Rasmus Hojlund after he was dropped from the starting line up for their Premier League clash with Newcastle on Wednesday night.

The Danish forward has struggled for form in recent weeks and has netted just one goal in his last 10 outings ever since he suffered a muscle injury back in February.

Hojlund, 22, has cut a frustrated figure as of late, with his own poor performances as much to blame for the goal drought as the lack of regular service he has received in the final third of the pitch.

Erik ten Hag has made one change to his side from the team that lost 1-0 to Arsenal at the weekend, with Bruno Fernandes set to lead the line in the absence of Hojlund. The Portuguese ace had missed the last two matches due to injury, the only two club matches in his career he has ever missed because of injury.

Speaking ahead of the match, Ten Hag explained his team selection to Sky Sports: "We want to keep him remaining fresh. It's a long season for all young players, and you see, sometimes his energy levels are dropping; we need to keep him fresh. We have Brighton and the FA Cup final left. So lots to fight for.”

On the return Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Lisandro Martínez to the squad, he added: "It is very good because you have seen the last games we had only academy players on the bench. Now we have some senior players, who can make a difference, to come on.”

United XI vs Newcastle: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Evans, Dalot; Amrabat, Mainoo, McTominay; Fernandes, Garnacho, Amad

Subs: Bayındır, Kambwala, Martínez, Collyer, Eriksen, Antony, Forson, Rashford, Højlund