Manchester United could be without their front-man for Sunday’s trip to Goodison Park as the Premier League returns.
Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund was worryingly withdrawn from the most recent Denmark squad after he sustained an injury in our last outing against Luton Town.
The striker suffered a muscle strain and while the initial hope was he would return in time to face Everton, Manchester Evening News described his fitness status as a ‘race against time’, which could indicate that giving him an extra few days would be wise.
Erik ten Hag has already shown he isn’t prepared to risk Hojlund’s fitness in rushing him back, as he took his time integrating the Dane after back problems in the summer.
The forward hasn’t exactly set the Premier League alight this season however Jaap Stam has tipped him to eventually find form as he is ‘very talented‘. His absence will be felt by United who don’t possess anyone else with his talents.
But if he is out, who will slot in upfront?
Anthony Martial
The clear and obvious choice is Anthony Martial, who despite being used increasingly sparingly is the only other natural striker in the team.
Martial has looked really poor this season for United, with just one goal and one assist in 15 appearances. He hasn’t done anything to really cast doubt over the decision to start Hojlund week in and week out.
Turning 28 in just a fortnight, Martial as of now, looks extremely unlikely to see his contract renewed at the club. However, he could have the chance against Everton – a club he has seen some huge success against in the past – to resurrect his United career.
Martial loves playing against Everton and has eight goals and four assists in 16 games against the Toffees so if he’s ever going to impress, it’ll probably be here.
Marcus Rashford
Option number two would see the tried and tested formula of putting Marcus Rashford through the middle. Rashford began this season as a striker but quickly reverted to the left wing after early struggles and upon Hojlund’s arrival.
The bizarre thing is he scored 30 goals for United last season while being primarily deployed up-front, and now he’s struggling at left wing, a move back into the middle could inspire some form.
Rashford has been incredibly disappointing this season, cutting at times, a moody and uninspiring figure on the left. With some confidence needed, a good display through the middle against Everton could be what he needs to get this season underway and start the goals flowing once again.
Scott McTominay
This option is quite unlikely, but Ten Hag has tried false-nine style unnatural strikers before up top. Therefore with that in mind, Scott McTominay could be tailor-made. He also once again showed his immense finishing against Georgia over the international break for Scotland.
If Hojlund does miss out, the other options really aren’t filling anyone with confidence based on recent displays, so giving McTominay a chance when he’s already been so clinical in front of goal this season might be a stroke of genius.
However, McTominay is unlikely to start up front, but if goals aren’t being scored and United are struggling it could be up to the Scot to save the day, again.
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