Why injury could further delay Rasmus Hojlund's Man Utd debut

New Manchester United signing Rasmus Hojlund is struggling with a back injury and will have to wait to make his debut for the club.

The Denmark international joined the Red Devils in a £72m deal from Atalanta as the hoped long-term solution in the number nine role at Old Trafford, joining Andre Onana and Mason Mount as summer signings.

Hojlund was unveiled to United supporters before their 3-1 friendly victory over Lens on Saturday but played no part in the game or the clash with Athletic Club on Sunday. Whenever his debut comes, the 20-year-old's minutes will need to be managed at the start of the campaign after an MRI scan revealed a stress response in his back.

report the problem was noticed during Hojlund's medical and he was subsequently sent for an MRI, evoking troubling memories of Marcus Rashford's six-month injury spell in 2019/20 due to a double stress fracture in his back.

United have already confirmed young striker Hojlund will miss the first few weeks of the 2023/24 season, having sustained the problem during pre-season training with Atalanta.

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Jadon Sancho has played up front during pre-season but Rashford is likely to fill that role to begin the new campaign with others like Antony, Sancho and Anthony Martial scrapping for remaining starting XI spots.

Martial hasn't played since May due to a hamstring strain, while exciting youngster Amad Diallo has been ruled out of the first part of the season with a knee problem.

United open their Premier League campaign at home to Wolves on Monday night before visiting Tottenham. Erik ten Hag's side have played eight summer friendlies in less than a month to be ready for the new campaign, earning victories against the likes of Lyon and Arsenal and losing to Real Madrid