Ten Hag hesitant to fast-track Hojlund, Mount Manchester United return

Manchester United stars Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount’s return could be delayed as manager Erik ten Hag is wary of rushing them before they reach 100% fitness.

Since July’s pre-season Hojlund has been out with a hamstring picked up during a friendly against Arsenal in Los Angeles, while muscle complications with held Mason Mount from attending the last three matches.

“It’s very good news they are back on the pitch,” Ten Hag said on Thursday.

“We have to decide whether they are fit enough to start but it is very pleasing they are fit and back in the squad. We have so many games in this block to cover, so very happy.”

Over a year ago, the pair cost United £120 million ($158 million) but their first seasons was disrupted by injuries. This became a usual scenario for the Red Devils as the loss of multiple key players cost the team to finish eighth in the Premier League. However, in this campaign Ten Hag is keen to avoid such an injury crisis.

“When you have a full squad available then it’s easier to manage the load,” added Ten Hag.

“When you are in circumstances like last season and there is a need to play, then also you have to overload them. We hope we can integrate them in a very careful way.”

Ten Hag is overseeing everything to ensure there no such scenario repeats with his squad with a trip to south London this weekend.

“We know what will come to us, we know it’s always tough, it is always aggressive there but we know also the circumstances and you can’t compare this,” he said.

“We didn’t have a fit squad. We had even one, two players that were maybe up to 20 percent to play, but we had to play them.

“This time is totally different. We have now a fit squad. We have definitely 18 players who are capable to go into this good challenge for us.”

The Red Devil riding on high confidence after scoring more than four goals under the Dutch coach for the first time in Tuesday’s 7-0 thrashing of third-tier Barnsley in the League Cup.

Moreover, United also defeated Southampton 3-0 last weekend, which means the side has grabbed a clean sheet in consecutive games after bouncing back from two straight Premier League defeats to Brighton and Liverpool.

This Saturday, Manchester United will look to take revenge for last season’s humiliation over Crystal Palace.

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