Manchester United boss Ten Hag explains why club ignored 'back fractures' to sign Hojlund

Erik Ten Hag's Manchester United are set to be without Rasmus Hojlund for the start of the season after paying 64 million pounds for him.

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has explained the rationale behind the decision to sign Rasmus Hojlund while injured.

Hojlund is the latest arrival at Manchester United following his transfer from Serie A side Atalanta BC.

The Red Devils paid an initial 64 million pounds to prise the young forward from the Italians, with eight million more in performance-related clauses.

United lose Hojlund

The 20-year-old put pen to paper on a five-year deal that will see him wear the United red and white until the summer of 2028, with an option for an extra year.

Rasmus was unveiled at Old Trafford with thousands of United fans cheering him before the Red Devils’ penultimate pre-season match against Lique 1 side Lens.

However, despite the fanfare that greeted his highly anticipated arrival, United fans will have to watch a while to see their latest superstar in action.

Hojlund is currently injured after he picked up an injury while in pre-season with former club Atalanta.

Ten Hag explains signing

United fans have complained about the lack of options at centre forward with Anthony Martial now unreliable due to his incessant injuries.

Therefore, following a United report that confirmed Hojlund, expected to replace Martial, will miss a few weeks due to injuries, this has not gone down well with some sections of the fanbase.

But manager Ten Hag has now explained that it was important to get the youngster on board despite the club being aware of what they have described as a minor injury.

“Of course, he's here so you have the option to play,” Ten Hah stated according to a report on the club’s website.

“But we don't expect him on that short notice to be 100 per cent fit.”

The former Ajax manager added that the Reds needed to double up on their options as the club will play many matches this season.

“So we have to wait sometime more (for Hojlund),” he added.“We need all positions doubled because of the number of games.

“It's difficult to say how that process will go, but I think he's making good progress at this moment.

“We have to see day by day how the progress will go, then we have to follow up.”

Manchester United will kick off the 2023/2024 season against Wolves on Monday at Old Trafford.

Related content