Manchester United players are coming to the end of their international commitments ahead of the Premier League’s return this weekend.
Erik ten Hag will have had almost two weeks to ruminate on the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool by the time Manchester United face Southampton.
Heading into the international break off the back of such a harrowing defeat was hardly ideal – especially after losing at Brighton and Hove Albion.
United players have been away with their countries and some have impressed.
The Dutch media praised Joshua Zirzkee after a goal and an assist against Bosnia and Herzegovina over the weekend.
The break has been trickier for others though with Christian Eriksen receiving criticism in Denmark amid fears over his playing time.
Latest on Rasmus Hojlund interest
Eriksen is usually on international duty with a United teammate in Rasmus Hojlund.
However, the striker is out injured at the moment and hasn’t been able to start the Premier League season, never mind link up with Denmark.
Hojlund suffered a hamstring injury against Arsenal in pre-season with a six-week absence suggested at the time.
The expected return date for Hojlund was September 14 – this weekend’s game against Southampton.
The game is just a few days away though and there has been little indication of Hojlund ramping up his return to action.
ESPN now claim that United plan to assess Hojlund this week ahead of the trip to Southampton in an attempt to gauge whether he can take part.
United are thought to be operating on a fairly cautious basis though and are prepared to leave him out for a little longer in order to make sure he is fully recovered.
There are no plans to rush Hojlund back and having not yet featured in team training, it seems unlikely that the Dane will be in action this weekend.
Joshua Zirkzee may lead Manchester United’s attack again
If Hojlund is out once again, then the attacking responsibility will again fall on the shoulders of new signing Zirkzee.
The Dutchman made his first Premier League start in the defeat to Liverpool and missed a couple of decent chances.
Zirkzee has though enjoyed his international break and United may see him return fairly well-rested.
Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has hinted that Zirkzee will be left on the bench against Germany, meaning he won’t have a major workload ahead of Saturday’s trip to Southampton.
United need Zirkzee fit and raring to go for that game with the striker no doubt looking to bounce back after that tricky outing against Liverpool.
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