Why Rasmus Hojlund missed Nottingham Forest v Man Utd

Rasmus Hojlund missed Manchester United’s trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday due to illness.

The striker netted his first Premier League goal on Boxing Day which proved to be the winner in a comeback victory over Aston Villa. Hojlund admitted after the game that it was a ‘relief’ to finally break his domestic duck, but the Norwegian was denied the opportunity to extend that record at the City Ground.

In his absence, Marcus Rashford was named up front, with Antony coming into the side in the only change from the Villa win. The pair were joined in the front three by Alejandro Garnacho, who netted a brace on Boxing Day.

In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes were selected, while Erik ten Hag picked a back four of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans and Diogo Dalot. Andre Onana started in nets in his final Premier League game before departing to represent Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Amad was also selected in the matchday squad for the first time this term. The winger hasn’t featured since pre-season due to an injury sustained in July's friendly against Arsenal.

Luke Shaw and Sofyan Amrabat missed out due to knocks, along with Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro and Mason Mount, all of whom are expected to return from injuries in January. Anthony Martial is still out with illness.

Starting XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Evans, Dalot; Mainoo, Eriksen, Fernandes; Antony, Rashford, Garnacho.

Substitutes: Bayindir, Kambwala, Reguilon, Gore, Van de Beek, Hannibal, McTominay, Amad, Pellistri.