Manchester United's Double Blow: Rashford and Onana Injuries Deepen Crisis
Rashford and Onana Injuries Add to Manchester United's Growing Crisis
Manchester United's woes deepened as key players Marcus Rashford and Andre Onana suffered injuries during international matches. Rashford, 26, had to be substituted in England's 2-0 victory over Malta after colliding with Trent Alexander-Arnold, marking a troubling period for the forward who has failed to score for United in over two months.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Onana, left the field in the closing minutes of Cameroon's 3-0 win against Mauritius, further adding to United's concerns, given Onana's recent criticism for high-profile errors. These injuries compound the challenges for manager Erik ten Hag, who already faces withdrawals from key players such as Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund, intensifying pressure on a defensively depleted squad that includes the sidelined Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Lisandro Martinez.
Luke Shaw's Return and Rasmus Hojlund's Prospects
Rasmus Hojlund, a 20-year-old talent for Manchester United, is grappling with goal-scoring challenges in the Premier League, experiencing a notable dearth of opportunities compared to his performances in European competitions. Despite expressing confidence in his abilities, Hojlund faced frustration in a recent match against Luton, missing significant chances, including a close-range header. His struggles are reflected in a mere 1.4 xG across eight league matches, emphasizing a clear lack of service and goal-scoring opportunities, influenced by tactical adjustments and the contributions of teammates like Antony and Garnacho.
Luke Shaw's return in potentially alleviating Hojlund's goal-scoring woes. Shaw, absent due to injury, is seen as a key factor in bolstering the team's overall performance, offering both defensive solidity and attacking prowess. With optimism surrounding Hojlund's prospects, the expectation is that Shaw's comeback will provide improved service down the left flank, potentially leading to increased goal-scoring opportunities and an overall enhanced performance for the young player.