Man United handed major blow with in-form Rasmus Hojlund set to miss three weeks with a muscle injury – ruling him OUT of next week’s Manchester derby

Manchester United have suffered another injury blow after Rasmus Hojlund was ruled out for up to three weeks with a muscle strain.

The news is a major setback for manager Erik ten Hag, who has seen United’s injury problems return in recent weeks with Lisandro Martínez and Luke Shaw sidelined for eight weeks and three months respectively.

Anthony Martial is also out after groin surgery, which will leave United without a recognized striker until Hojlund’s return. Marcus Rashford is expected to replace.

It’s an even bigger blow considering Hojlund’s form. The Dane has scored eight goals in his last eight games, including a brace in last weekend’s win at Luton.

A United statement confirmed: “Rasmus Hojlund will miss Manchester United’s Premier League match against Fulham on Saturday due to a muscle injury. He is expected to be out for two to three weeks.

The Dane has been in top form since Christmas, scoring eight goals in his last eight games.

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The 21-year-old will miss up to five games, starting with Fulham’s visit to Old Trafford on Saturday, followed by the FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest, the Manchester derby and league games against Everton and Sheffield United.

Hojlund’s form has coincided with a big turnaround in United’s season. The last game he missed, against Forest at the end of December, was the last time United lost.

The improvement has revived Ten Hag’s hopes of a top-four finish as well as a good run in the FA Cup after an injury-marred first half of the season.

However, just when the United manager thought his team was about to return to full strength, he was hit by another series of injuries.

Mason Mount, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia are the other players currently out of action.