Manchester United’s newly appointed manager, Erik ten Hag, has expressed his cautious approach towards integrating their latest signing, Rasmus Højlund, as the team gears up for their Premier League opener against Wolves on Monday.
The Danish striker’s debut for the Red Devils will be delayed as he continues to recover from a back injury sustained prior to his transfer from Atalanta. Højlund will be sidelined for the Wolves’ visit to Old Trafford, but Ten Hag is adamant about not rushing the player’s return to action.
“We are not in a rush,” Ten Hag emphasized during a press conference. “We know that even without him, we possess a formidable team and the striker position is well-covered. Thus, we won’t hastily push him into the lineup. Our focus is on ensuring he reaches the necessary fitness level and seamlessly integrating him into our training regimen and match strategies. Patience is key.”
Ten Hag reiterated that the immediate goal isn’t just about securing victory in the early stages of the season, but rather about setting a foundation for long-term success. “It’s not just about immediate wins; it’s about securing victories in the long run,” he emphasized.
In Højlund’s absence, Marcus Rashford is poised to assume the central striker role, despite Jadon Sancho having occupied the same position during pre-season matches. Additionally, Anthony Martial’s return from a hamstring injury further bolsters Ten Hag’s attacking options.
“I’m quite composed in this situation because Rashy has demonstrated his prowess as a striker, and we’ve witnessed his capabilities firsthand,” stated Ten Hag. “Furthermore, Anthony Martial is available, and Jadon Sancho’s impressive pre-season performance has bolstered our confidence. We’ve thoughtfully constructed our squad to tackle such situations.”
As the countdown to the Premier League opener intensifies, all eyes will be on Manchester United’s lineup decisions and how their strategy unfolds under Ten Hag’s management. The Dutch manager’s considered approach indicates his commitment to striking a balance between immediate success and long-term team development.
Comments are closed.