PA Media/dpa
London
Erik ten Hag plans to integrate Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount carefully after the injured Manchester United duo returned to training ahead of the trip to Crystal Palace.
The Red Devils have bounced back from demoralizing defeats to Brighton and Liverpool before the international break with a 3-0 win at Southampton and 7-0 victory against Barnsley in the League Cup.
United’s attention now turns to Saturday’s Premier League trip to Selhurst Park, where Hojlund and Mount could return from lay-offs.
Hojlund has been out with a hamstring injury sustained in July’s pre-season friendly against Arsenal in Los Angeles, while Mount has missed the last three matches with a muscle complaint.
“It’s very good news they are back on the pitch,” Ten Hag said. “They are back in team training.
“We have to decide whether they are fit enough to start but it is very pleasing they are fit and back in the squad. We have so many games in this block to cover so very happy.
“We have to make the final call. They did a couple of training (sessions). We have to see how they recover and then tomorrow we will make a final call.”
Hojlund and Mount had their first seasons impacted by absences after arriving from Atalanta and Chelsea respectively last year.
The latter missed 30 matches in all during 2023-24, with Hojlund absent for several periods as well.
Asked about the need to be careful with the likes of Hojlund and Mount, Ten Hag said: “Careful and top football you always go to boundaries. It’s not avoidable.
“But when you have a full squad available then it’s easier to manage the load.
“When you are in circumstances like last season and there is a need to play, then also you have to overload them. We hope we can integrate them in a very careful way.”
