Manchester United to make decision on Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund for Crystal Palace fixture

Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount have returned to training after their recent injuries ahead of Manchester United’s match against Crystal Palace. The club will decide on Friday whether to include them in the squad for the Premier League fixture.

Mount has been absent for the last three matches due to a muscular injury, while Hojlund has been out for nearly eight weeks with a hamstring issue. Both players resumed training this week.

Other players still unavailable include Leny Yoro (foot), Victor Lindelof (toe), Luke Shaw (calf), and Tyrell Malacia (knee). Last season, United suffered a 4-0 loss at Palace.

Hojlund was effectively United’s only available striker last season and has scored just once as a starter since returning from a muscular injury in March. Ten Hag acknowledged that he overworked players at times last term.

“It’s great news that they are back on the pitch,” Ten Hag commented about Mount and Hojlund. “They are participating in team training, and we need to assess if they are fit enough to start, but it’s very encouraging to have them back in the squad.”

Hojlund, 21, missed the first three games last season due to a stress fracture in his back and had a three-week absence in February and March, coinciding with heavy defeats to Fulham and Manchester City.

Mount, 25, has dealt with injuries for nearly two years and missed 30 matches last season, but Ten Hag is thankful to have a more complete squad this season compared to last year’s injury crisis.

“Careful management is crucial in football; you always have to consider boundaries,” Ten Hag said. “While injuries are unavoidable, having a full squad makes it easier to manage player loads, especially in demanding situations like last season. We hope to integrate them back in a very careful manner.”
It’s promising to see that both Rasmus Højlund and Mason Mount have returned to training ahead of Manchester United’s upcoming Premier League clash against Crystal Palace. After recent injuries, their potential return would be a significant boost for Erik ten Hag’s squad. Højlund has struggled with hamstring issues, while Mount has been sidelined with a muscular injury.

Their availability for the match will depend on further assessments, but Ten Hag’s cautious approach is clear, as he emphasized the importance of carefully managing their return to avoid any setbacks. With several key players still unavailable, such as Leny Yoro, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, and Tyrell Malacia, their return comes at a crucial time.

Højlund’s earlier setbacks, including his stress fracture last season, had a notable impact on United’s performance, while Mount’s prolonged injury issues have also been challenging. Ten Hag’s acknowledgment of last season’s injury crisis highlights how careful management can help United avoid overworking their players, a lesson from their struggles last term.