Why isn’t Rasmus Hojlund playing for Man Utd vs Lens?

Manchester United’s long, long search for a new number nine has finally come to an end as Rasmus Hojlund has officially arrived at Old Trafford in a deal worth £72m.

Having been announced as a United player and paraded on the Old Trafford pitch prior to the Red Devils’ pre-season friendly with RC Lens, Erik ten Hag has finally got the striker he has been craving. The former Atalanta forward was always eager to join United and his wish has now finally been granted.

Manchester United supporters will be desperate to get a glimpse of their new centre-forward on the pitch as soon as possible, with some perhaps hopeful that he may have even made his debut against Lens on Saturday 5 August.

However, United fans will have to wait a little while to see their new number nine.

Despite being at Old Trafford for the friendly against the Ligue 1 side, Hojlund was only a spectator. The 20-year-old’s move is still subject to international clearance, a formality which prevented Hojlund from featuring for the Red Devils against Lens.

It has also been reported that Hojlund picked up a small injury during his pre-season excursions with Atalanta and, despite being in training, is not ready to play. The extent of the injury is currently unknown but it is expected that Hojlund will take a few weeks to reach match fitness.

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Hojlund may be missing for a few weeks, meaning he is likely to be unavailable for United’s opening Premier League matches. The Red Devils face Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur in their first two matches, but Ten Hag will probably be missing his new striker.

While the timeframe for his return could change, Hojlund could face either Nottingham Forest on 26 August or Arsenal on 3 September. However, Hojlund will need time to settle in at Old Trafford and Ten Hag may be inclined to ease him into his new surroundings before tossing the fresh arrival in the starting lineup.

While United supporters will be desperate to see their £72m man in action, they may have to remain patient in the coming weeks.

LISTEN NOW TO 90MIN’s MAN UTD PODCAST: THE PROMISED LAND

On this edition of The Promised Land, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders and Rob Blanchette react to the news Manchester United have agreed a fee with Atalanta for Rasmus Hojlund.

If you can’t see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!