Man United handed major blow with in-form Rasmus Hojlund set to miss three weeks with a muscle injury – ruling him OUT of next week’s Manchester derby

Manchester United have suffered yet another injury blow after Rasmus Hojlund was ruled out for up to three weeks with a muscle strain.

The news is a huge setback for manager Erik ten Hag who has seen United’s injury problems return in recent weeks with Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw sidelined for eight weeks and three months respectively.

Anthony Martial is also out following groin surgery, leaving United without a recognised striker until Hojlund returns. Marcus Rashford is expected to deputise. 

It’s even more of a blow considering Hojlund’s red-hot form. The Dane has scored eight goals in the last eight games, including a double in last weekend’s win at Luton.

A United statement confirmed: ‘Rasmus Hojlund will miss Manchester United’s Premier League game against Fulham on Saturday due to a muscle injury. It is expected to keep him out for two to three weeks.’

The Dane has been in red-hot form since Christmas, scoring eight goals in his last eight games 

The 21-year-old is set to miss up to five games, starting with Fulham’s visit to Old Trafford on Saturday followed by the FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest, the Manchester derby and the league games against Everton and Sheffield United.

Hojlund’s form has coincided with a big turnaround in United’s season. The last game he missed, at Forest at the end of December, was the last time United lost.

The upturn has revived Ten Hag’s hopes of a top-four finish as well as a good run in the FA Cup after an injury-hit first half of the season.

Just when the United manager thought his squad was nearing full strength again, however, he has been hit by another spate of injuries. 

Mason Mount, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia are the other players currently out of action.