Manchester United strike agreement with Denmark over Rasmus Hojlund workload

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 21 March 2024

Man United strike agreement with Denmark over Hojlund workload

Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand reveals that an agreement has been reached with Manchester United to manage Rasmus Hojlund's minutes during the international break.

Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand has revealed that an agreement has been reached with Manchester United to manage Rasmus Hojlund's workload during the current international break.

Hojlund is currently with the Denmark squad preparing for their friendlies with Switzerland on Saturday and the Faroe Islands next week.

The 21-year-old has only just recovered from a muscular problem, though, featuring against Liverpool in the FA Cup last weekend after four games out through injury.

Hojlund was substituted in the 71st minute of the contest against Jurgen Klopp's side, with Man United head coach Erik ten Hag wary of overplaying the forward on his return to the side.

Hjulmand has confirmed that an agreement has been struck between Denmark and Man United when it comes to the forward's fitness.

Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund celebrates scoring their second goal on February 1, 2024 © Reuters

"We have an agreement with United about the total amount of playing time in the two matches," Hjulmand told reporters.

"He plays from the start against Switzerland and there are no restrictions on how much he can play in that match. Then we'll see what happens after that match.

"Our staff has put together a plan with Erik ten Hag on how he will get the best build-up after Rasmus's injury period. It is both for our good and their good.

"It does not make sense to smash a player through and increase the risk of an injury that goes beyond our own Euro plans. That plan is there for Rasmus and for all other players."

Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund on November 8, 2023 © Reuters

Hojlund has scored 13 goals and registered two assists in 31 appearances for Man United during his first season at the club, having arrived from Atalanta BC last summer.

The forward netted five times in the group stage of the Champions League but had to wait until Boxing Day to register his first Premier League goal.

Hojlund has managed seven goals and two assists in his last six appearances in England's top flight, including a brace in his last league outing against Luton Town in the middle of last month.

The striker is also central to Denmark's plans ahead of this summer's European Championship, netting seven goals and registering one assist in 10 caps for his country.

All seven of his goals for the Red and Whites came during qualification for Euro 2024, and Saturday's clash with Switzerland will be his first non-competitive match for his nation.