Manchester United are facing another blow as two key players, Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund, encounter injuries, further complicating the team's forward options. Eriksen, facing a month-long absence, could miss up to seven crucial matches, while Hojlund, dealing with a muscle strain, targets a return by the end of November.
This latest setback underscores the team's reliance on a relatively inexperienced striker and prompts questions about the club's player management strategies and recruitment challenges.
Hojlund has shown promise, but his injury raises concerns about the workload he's been subjected to and prompts scrutiny of how United has handled a player who was already injured upon signing. The lack of suitable backup in the attack becomes evident once again, posing potential challenges for the team in the upcoming weeks.
Even if Hojlund is fit for the away fixture against Everton, there's a need for cautious management, recognizing the demands of a congested fixture schedule, especially in the lead-up to the busy festive period. This situation places Erik ten Hag with three alternative options up front: Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, or deploying a false nine.
Rashford, primarily known for his prowess on the left wing, has struggled when positioned as a striker. His struggles with playing with his back to goal and making impactful decisions in the final third make him a less convincing option, especially considering his current low confidence and lack of goals this season.
Martial, another alternative, finds himself out of favor and down the pecking order under Ten Hag. Despite a well-taken goal in the Carabao Cup against Crystal Palace, he has seen limited opportunities and struggled to make a significant impact, raising doubts about his ability to contribute positively if called upon.
The wildcard option for United is employing a false nine, a tactic used sparingly and with limited success under Ten Hag. Previous attempts with Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes in the role didn't yield desired results. Jadon Sancho, who showed promise in the position during pre-season, is no longer considered an option, likely leaving the club in January.
As Hojlund has yet to score a domestic goal, the team finds itself in a precarious situation with limited convincing alternatives in attack. The absence of a clear replacement raises concerns about United's offensive capabilities and highlights the need for quick and effective solutions to navigate through this challenging period.
Source: Manchester Evening News / Join us on Telegram!/ Follow us on Twitter!