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Manchester United receives double injury boost that could change season ahead of Southampton match
Manchester United receives double injury boost that could change season ahead of Southampton match
“We have to see how it develops and how we can progress during the break, to get match fit,” said Erik ten Hag about Rasmus Hojlund before Manchester United’s last game.
“He returned on the pitch but it will take a while before he is up. Everyone has seen, it [the injury] happens in the first game [pre-season tour], so he needs also to build some fitness.”
Around 30 minutes after Ten Hag’s press conference, Hojlund drove out of Carrington, wearing shaded sunglasses in his Range Rover, and stopped for autographs and photos. “I pulled my hamstring but I’m okay now,” said Hojlund when a small child who was wearing a United replica with his name and number asked why he hadn’t played this season.
Hojlund has returned to training on the grass at Carrington, which usually indicates a return to full training is around two weeks away and that is excellent news for United, who have sorely missed his presence in attack in the opening few games of the new Premier League season.
Bruno Fernandes has been used as a false nine and Joshua Zirkzee started down the middle against Liverpool but Hojlund is a natural centre-forward and is more effective in that role. What he brings to the team, being able to stretch a defence with his pace and getting in behind the opposition, is unique and the injury he sustained in pre-season was unfortunate.
Hojlund tweaked his hamstring after opening the scoring against Arsenal in Los Angeles and his goal was the type nobody else in the United squad could produce – he used his body brilliantly, shielded the ball with his strength and used his acceleration to evade his marker.
The 21-year-old is built in the mould of a traditional striker and if his finishing has improved for this season, he has the ability to significantly better his haul of 16 goals last term. Hojlund’s return will be a huge boost and he is expected to be available against Southampton when football resumes after the international break. United are guaranteed to create chances against the relegation candidates and Hojlund could mark his return with a bang.
Whether Luke Shaw returns to the squad alongside Hojlund at St Mary’s remains to be seen. The defender hasn’t played for United this season, despite playing for England at Euro 2024, and Ten Hag didn’t give an update on his situation at his latest press conference.
United said on August 13 that Shaw would miss the opening games of the Premier League season due to a calf injury sustained at the start of pre-season training.
The clash against Southampton comes on September 14 and four weeks should be enough time to recover from a calf strain, providing it’s not serious. That teases the possibility of Shaw and Hojlund making the XI on the south coast.
United have scraped past Fulham, defeated by Brighton and hammered by Liverpool, which has made the Southampton game an early season must-win encounter with the following three matches challenging. Crystal Palace away, Tottenham at home and Aston Villa away await and United must get back to winning ways to ease pressure on Ten Hag.
The chances of breezing past Southampton with minimal fuss will increase if Hojlund and Shaw are back from the sidelines. They are two hugely important players in how Ten Hag wants to play and the latter’s passing qualities are particularly important for building up from the back.
Ten Hag will give a fresh update on Hojlund and Shaw at his press conference on Thursday and fans will be desperately hoping he confirms their return to action against Southampton. It’s also imperative that when they return to fitness, they maintain a clean bill of health.
Bubba Wallace joins the Dark Side and will race with a special Star Wars paint scheme at Phoenix
Bubba Wallace is set to make a striking impression at the upcoming Phoenix race with a special Star Wars-themed paint scheme, marking a unique crossover between the worlds of motorsport and pop culture. This collaboration promises to ignite excitement among fans of both NASCAR and the beloved sci-fi franchise.
Wallace, known for his dynamic personality and advocacy for social justice, will pilot his No. 23 car adorned with imagery that pays homage to the iconic Star Wars saga. The paint scheme features familiar characters and motifs, designed to capture the essence of the series while showcasing Wallace’s vibrant style on the racetrack.
The decision to embrace a Star Wars theme comes as part of a larger trend within NASCAR to engage fans through innovative partnerships and themed events. With the enduring popularity of the Star Wars franchise, this collaboration aims to draw in a wider audience, appealing to both die-hard racing fans and Star Wars enthusiasts alike. The iconic imagery of lightsabers, starships, and perhaps even elements of the Force will make for a visually stunning spectacle as Wallace competes for position on the track.
As Wallace prepares for the race, the excitement is palpable. He has often expressed his love for motorsport and pop culture, making this partnership a natural fit for his brand. “Racing and Star Wars are two passions of mine, and to combine them in such a creative way is truly exciting,” Wallace stated in a recent interview. “I can’t wait to see the fans’ reactions and bring a little bit of the galaxy far, far away to Phoenix.”
The unveiling of the paint scheme is also expected to include a series of promotional events leading up to the race. Fans can look forward to meet-and-greets, special merchandise, and perhaps even appearances from popular Star Wars characters, creating an immersive experience that transcends the typical racetrack atmosphere. This approach not only enhances the entertainment value but also strengthens the connection between the racing community and popular culture.
On the track, Wallace’s performance will undoubtedly be in the spotlight, but the unique paint scheme will add an additional layer of intrigue. As the race unfolds, viewers will be treated to a spectacle of speed, skill, and stunning visuals, making the event a must-watch for fans. The combination of high-octane racing and the fantastical elements of Star Wars creates a thrilling narrative, drawing attention to Wallace’s journey as he navigates the twists and turns of the track.
The Phoenix race is set to be more than just another event on the NASCAR calendar; it will serve as a celebration of creativity and fandom. As Wallace takes to the track with his Star Wars-inspired design, he not only carries the hopes of his team but also represents a fusion of two worlds that continue to inspire millions. With each lap, he’ll be channeling the spirit of adventure, courage, and determination that defines both racing and the Star Wars legacy.
As the green flag waves, fans will undoubtedly be cheering for Wallace, not just as a driver, but as a beacon of innovation and passion, showcasing the power of collaboration in sports and entertainment. The force will be strong at Phoenix, and Bubba Wallace is ready to lead the charge.
TRANSFER GOSSIP
Manchester United considering €70m swoop for PSG striker in January to boost forward – Reports
Manchester United considering €70m swoop for PSG striker in January to boost forward – Reports
According to reports from CaughtOffside, Manchester United are understood to have a genuine interest in the transfer of Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani, though he is not expected to be available this January.
CaughtOffside is aware of Kolo Muani was previously signed by PSG for a hefty sum of money—up to €95 million—while Man United is believed to value the France international at closer to €70 million as they search for upfront reinforcements.
Kolo Muani might be a good fit for the Red Devils, even though he hasn’t quite displayed his finest play in a PSG jersey.
After Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee’s setbacks at Old Trafford, the team could definitely use a more seasoned and tested alternative up front.
The 25-year-old remains highly regarded by his current club, however, and sources have indicated there is little chance of him being sold this winter, even if the situation could perhaps be looked at again by next summer.
United have invested in the future by bringing in two young forwards in Hojlund and Zirkzee in the last two summers, so it might perhaps be a bit of a surprise to see the club spending big on yet another striker.
Still, one has to wonder how much more time Hojlund in particular will be given as he’s not made much of an impact in over a year in Manchester now, so there could be a case for bringing in Kolo Muani as an upgrade.
At the same time, if PSG aren’t keen to sell, then this could potentially mean paying a lot of money to make them change their minds, and that might be seen as a bit of a risk, considering that the former Eintracht Frankfurt man isn’t in the best form right now.
TRANSFER GOSSIP
Man United tipped to sign Outstanding €80m PSG Playmaker ahead of Manchester City as Ruud Van Nistelrooy backs him to shine – Reports
Man United tipped to sign Outstanding €80m PSG Playmaker ahead of Manchester City as Ruud Van Nistelrooy backs him to shine – Reports
It seems that Manchester United isn’t giving up on the prospect of signing RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons, even though no agreement was struck during the most recent transfer window.
Man United showed a keen interest in the Dutch attacker for a significant portion of the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, who stated that the club became even more interested in Simons following his Dutch team’s performance at Euro 2024.
In the end, a deal remained far off, even though Simons made a suggestion that he would return to Leipzig on another Paris Saint-Germain loan.
This advice came to pass in July when he agreed to join a new one-year loan with Leipzig.
Even as he returns to Germany, however, United have not given up on their pursuit of the Dutch forward.
Christian Falk, the head of football at the BILD Group, revealed that United may just manage to hijack a potential deal for Simons being formulated by bitter rivals Manchester City.
“United and Liverpool were interested in the player historically, but also Manchester City are in the race and he would be a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s system,” Falk noted. He also revealed why United may be ahead in the race to sign Simons.
“Liverpool have a coach who can speak the same language. There’s a Dutch coach also present at Manchester United. So, these offer huge chances for either club,” he explained, suggesting that Simons would appreciate playing under a coach who speaks the same language.
For United, Simons is a young, versatile player who could significantly bolster their attacking options over the long-term future.
It’s no secret that Erik ten Hag is a fan of the Dutch rising star, praising Simons for his performance against England in the Euro 2024 semifinals.
“I enjoyed Xavi Simons in that game. The drive he has, the passion with which he conquers balls and recognises situations are top,” Ten Hag stated. “His enormous drive as well. That is almost un-Dutch. I think you can see that he was trained abroad. He almost has a southern European doggedness in his game.”
Of course, Simons’ impressive performances extend beyond his appearances for the Netherlands. He was a key player for Leipzig last season, scoring eight goals and providing 13 assists in 32 Bundesliga games last season.
Although Simons’ market value is €80 million, according to Transfermarkt, United may just manage to afford him comfortably should they do adequate financial planning before bidding on the player once his loan deal expires
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