Manchester United fans have reason to be excited as Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount have returned to full training ahead of their clash with Crystal Palace this weekend. Both players have been sorely missed in the opening weeks of the season, with Hojlund’s absence due to a hamstring injury picked up in pre-season, and Mount’s role being key to Erik ten Hag’s tweaked pressing structure.
Hojlund, yet to make an appearance this season, brings a unique presence to United’s attack. His pace and ability to stretch defenses is something Joshua Zirkzee hasn’t been able to replicate, and fans are eagerly awaiting the young forward’s return. Though there’s a possibility the coaching staff may ease him back cautiously after a muscle injury, the prospect of him starting against Crystal Palace—flanked by Marcus Rashford on the left and either Amad or Alejandro Garnacho on the right—is an exciting one for supporters.
Mount’s return is equally significant for the team, and the prospect of both players rejoining the squad strengthens Ten Hag’s options considerably. United’s attack showed promise in the midweek Carabao Cup match against Barnsley, where they clinically finished their chances in a dominant win. Though Barnsley, a team from England’s third division, may not have posed the toughest challenge, the performance gave Ten Hag plenty of selection headaches for Saturday’s game.
Rashford, who played centrally in that game, is expected to revert to his more natural position on the left wing. The battle for the right-wing spot will likely be between Amad and Garnacho, but Hojlund’s return adds a crucial dimension to United’s forward line. Some fans have debated the idea of Rashford remaining as a central striker, but with Hojlund fit, it seems more likely Rashford will resume his role on the wing.
Saturday’s fixture also brings extra motivation for United, following a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Selhurst Park in May. That result was one of the low points of Ten Hag’s tenure and will surely be a source of added determination for the team this time around. With United poised to field their strongest possible lineup, they will be under pressure to put on a much-improved performance.
With the exception of Luke Shaw, who remains sidelined with a calf injury, United’s squad is now nearly at full strength. Shaw, who hasn’t featured since February, is edging closer to a return, but his absence has been noticeable this season. Despite this, the rest of the squad’s fitness means Ten Hag will have the luxury of deploying his best available players—something he was often unable to do last season.
United’s recent victories over Southampton and Barnsley have given the squad some momentum, but the upcoming fixtures will be more challenging. After facing Crystal Palace, they will go on to meet Tottenham and Aston Villa, two tough opponents that will test the team’s resilience and form. With Ten Hag’s options bolstered by the return of Hojlund and Mount, there will be no more excuses for misfiring performances.
As United prepare to unleash their strongest starting XI, the pressure is mounting on Ten Hag to deliver results. The conversation about whether keeping him as manager was the right decision resurfaced following the defeat to Liverpool before the international break. A poor run in the upcoming matches could see those doubts grow louder again. However, with a nearly full-strength squad, United have the opportunity to turn things around and show their full potential. Now, it’s time for the team to perform and for Ten Hag’s men to prove they can compete at the highest level.
