Nottingham Forest are back in action this week with a FA Cup clash at home against Manchester United.
When you look back at a moment we hoped had transformed Manchester United’s season, it was the 3-2 comeback win over Aston Villa. Up until the surprise loss to Fulham at the weekend, the one blotch on the record since was the late December loss at Nottingham Forest.
And it was almost tempting to disregard this loss, as Rasmus Hojlund was out with illness. He had, discounting this game he did not play, scored in his last six Premier League games in a row.
Well, unfortunately, heading into this week’s ‘rematch’ at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, Manchester United will be without Rasmus Hojlund again, after he suffered an injury late last week.
Nottingham Forest ready for United without Hojlund
Nottingham Forest held their pre-match press conference on Monday, with manager Nuno Santo quizzed about Manchester United’s injuries.
He was asked about how he thought United would be impacted without Rasmus Hojlund, and he made clear he still expects the Red Devils to be strong. He also picked out Marcus Rashford as a threat.
He explained: “They are still a very good team, a very good squad. This is what we have to think, we are going to face a tough opponent on Wednesday night.
“They have very good solutions, Rashford… they have very good attacking players that can make the position.”
Marcus Rashford commands respect on reputation rather than form
Marcus Rashford was Manchester United’s top goalscorer in 2022/23, netting 30 in all competitions, a career high.
This season as we approach March, Rashford has yet to crack double figures, and it is a big concern.
Rashford has scored only five times in 2023/24, and struggled to fill in for Rasmus Hojlund at the weekend against Fulham.
Nuno’s comments show that Rashford still commands respect from opponents, but this is more based off his previous record than his performances this season.
Rashford is without a goal or assist in any of Manchester United’s past four games. The team really need him to step up and dust off his goalscoring boots this week at Forest.
