Erik ten Hag hints at new Man Utd formation with Rasmus Hojlund return

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Erik ten Hag has seemingly suggested the return of Rasmus Hojlund could lead to a potential formation change for Manchester United.

Injuries have plagued Manchester United for well over a year now and the ridiculous record of last season played a big part in the disastrous campaign.

The bug hasn’t stopped biting, either, with Erik ten Hag already suffering a number of absences from his squad.

Rasmus Hojlund, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Tyrell Malacia have all yet to play a single minute of football this term while Mason Mount was sidelined just as he was finally building momentum.

Thankfully, there is finally a bit of light at the end of the tunnel with Mount and Hojlund returning to training this week and potentially returning for United’s match with Crystal Palace.

Hojlund’s return will greatly improve Ten Hag’s attacking options and he has hinted that he could even change formation to play the Dane and Joshua Zirkzee up front together.

Ten Hag says Hojlund and Zirkzee can play up front together

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Saturday’s game with Crystal Palace, Ten Hag said: “We bought two young strikers who can play together but also rotate with each other.

“It is good [that they are different profiles]. We can use them depending on the game.”

Will Man Utd play with two strikers?

Though it’s clearly a possibility, it’s difficult to see United lining up with a two-man strike force any time soon.

United simply aren’t good enough at keeping the ball and winning it back to be able to sacrifice another midfield body. It would leave them incredibly vulnerable.

Additionally, any formation that includes two strikers will hamstring their best players.

A 4-4-2 would mean Bruno Fernandes is playing too deep or even out wide while a much more realistic 3-5-2 would leave little room for United’s wingers to flourish.

Amad, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford have been United’s best performers so far this season and all have done their best work on the flanks. Fans want to see them all play together rather than a front two of Hojlund and Zirkzee.

Yet, the fact United can launch a proper two-man strike force isn’t a bad thing at all. The tactical flexibility will certainly come in handy going forward.