Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund will miss the remainder of the current season after suffering an Achilles tendon injury, according to reports surfacing on . The injury brings an abrupt end to the 21-year-old’s campaign and raises questions about the team’s forward options.
Hojlund has faced recurring fitness challenges since joining Manchester United. He initially injured his hamstring during pre-season, causing him to miss the start of the campaign. While he briefly regained fitness after the September international break, concerns about his condition resurfaced during the October international period. He experienced a period of good form in , scoring in six consecutive Premier League games, but this was unfortunately cut short.
The Achilles tendon injury, a significant setback for any athlete, typically requires a lengthy rehabilitation period. While the exact details of the injury haven’t been publicly released, Achilles tendon ruptures often necessitate surgical intervention followed by several months of recovery. The prognosis for a full return to play varies depending on the severity of the tear, the individual’s overall health, and the success of the rehabilitation program.
This latest injury adds to a growing list of absences for Manchester United. Manager Erik ten Hag was already without several key players, including Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martínez, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tyrell Malacia, and Mason Mount. Hojlund’s absence leaves the team particularly thin in the striker position.
Ten Hag recently defended his decision not to pursue another striker during the transfer window, despite the existing injury concerns. The manager acknowledged the risks associated with playing at a high intensity, stating that injuries are “a risk of playing at high intensity and training.” He characterized Hojlund’s injury as “not a big injury” when it was initially reported in February , estimating a recovery timeframe of two to three weeks, but this has clearly been revised with the news of a season-ending injury.
Hojlund’s move to Manchester United in came after an impressive season with Atalanta in Serie A, where he demonstrated considerable potential. He was signed for a reported fee of £72 million, but his debut season at Old Trafford has been hampered by inconsistent fitness. Prior to his current injury, he had struggled to find consistent form, enduring a 21-game scoring drought in the Premier League.
Despite his recent struggles, Hojlund has expressed his commitment to Manchester United, dismissing speculation about a potential summer exit. He stated he “expects to play for Manchester United” and is “fully dedicated to the project that’s underway.” There had been links to Inter Milan, but Hojlund appears determined to establish himself at Old Trafford.
The club recently saw Sir Jim Ratcliffe complete his deal to become a minority owner, with a stated ambition to restore success to the club. Ten Hag has indicated that his plans align with Ratcliffe’s vision, but the current injury situation presents a significant challenge. The lack of a recognized striker could impact the team’s ability to compete for Champions League qualification.
Achilles tendon injuries are common in sports that involve sudden acceleration, deceleration, and jumping. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. A rupture typically occurs when the tendon is subjected to a force greater than it can withstand. Symptoms include a sudden, sharp pain in the back of the ankle, often described as feeling like a snap or pop. Individuals may also experience difficulty walking and pushing off with the injured leg.
Treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture typically involves immobilization, followed by physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion. Surgical repair is often recommended, particularly for active individuals and athletes, to restore the tendon’s function and reduce the risk of re-rupture. The rehabilitation process can be lengthy, often taking six to nine months or longer to achieve a full recovery.
The impact of Hojlund’s injury extends beyond his individual performance. It forces Manchester United to reassess their attacking options and potentially explore alternative strategies. The team may need to rely more heavily on other forwards, such as Matheus Cunha, or adjust their tactical approach to compensate for the absence of a traditional striker.
