Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand is feeling optimistic about Rasmus Hojlund after watching him in action over the past week.
You could understand if Hjulmand was a little nervous when he learned star man Rasmus Hojlund had a back injury.
Now, speaking to Bold.dk, he is feeling pretty re-assured. Hjulmand has explained he was invited to Carrington watch Hojlund’s early Manchester United training sessions.
He was delighted with what he saw, praising Hojlund for looking like his normal self, showing no ill effects of his back problem.
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Rasmus Hojlund debut praised
Hjulmand added that he was very pleased with Hojlund’s debut against Arsenal, and the physicality he showed.
He explained: “I was over there a week ago, where I saw two training sessions, and I saw the Rasmus I know. He has never felt anything. So they have been very conservative and cautious with him.
“But he looks like himself, and I think his jump-in was convincing. He started by smashing into a centre-back and he made his mark on the game in the minutes he played.”
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The manager added that he feels United got even more out of Hojlund than was anticipated, and is feeling confident in the striker’s fitness.
He said: “Now there was 15 minutes of overtime, so he got a little more than they had expected. It looked fine and he is in good shape.”
Denmark plan for Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund is the Euro 2024 qualifying joint leading scorer with six goals from six games.
There are games upcoming where he could get onto the scoresheet again for his country, against San Marino and Finland.
But Hjulmand is not planning to overuse him, offering a promise of good news to Manchester United fans.
The manager has given an assurance he will not play Hojlund for the complete duration of both matches.
Hjulmand said: “There isn’t twice 90 minutes for him, but we have a plan for how we can get the most out of him.”
The way the fixtures fall, Denmark’s second game is on Sunday night, which will provide almost a full week to prepare for Manchester United’s next match against Brighton at Old Trafford the following Saturday.