Maguire says Hojlund injury created a double problem for Man Utd, picks out disrupted teammate

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Manchester United slumped to defeat on Saturday against Fulham at Old Trafford with Rasmus Hojlund a massive miss.

Erik ten Hag watched his side look atrocious against Fulham with the away side deserving far more than a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.

A result like this was long coming for Manchester United with recent wins not accurately reflecting how the performances have been.

On Saturday the absence of Rasmus Hojlund took away the goals from United and really any threat going forward and a disappointing loss was the result.

Now, after the game, his absence has been noted as a reason for such a bad day at the office for United by Harry Maguire.

Harry Maguire comments on Rasmus Hojlund absence

Speaking with the BBC following the game, Maguire admitted that United struggled in the absence of the key man and scorer Hojlund.

“We got hit by the injury to Rasmus, who has been a big focal point for us but it is up to us to find the solutions and the areas we need to improve on.

“He has been our focal point, we can play into him, he holds it up, he starts the press really well, not only that but Marcus has been playing really well on the left.

“It’s the story of our season, we’ve been injury-hit – as other teams have – and we need to find a solution quick.”

It is clear that the absence of Hojlund messed up the entire dynamic United had upfront with no player in the position they’ve recently been great in. So Ten Hag needs to change it up next time out…

Erik ten Hag must play Scott McTominay up front in Hojlund’s absence

The difference in style between Marcus Rashford and Hojlund is far too wide to simply interchange them within the same system.

Hojlund’s running was missed today as Rashford offers little in that regard. For this reason alone, Scott McTominay must be tried up top over the next few games in the absence of the Danish number nine.

McTominay offers little in midfield and effectively plays up front for us when he’s brought on right now. Here he’d run, offer physicality and hold up play along with also being clinical in the box.

Ten Hag needs to try it as a performance like this next week at the Etihad could end up being an absolute thrashing.