Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund to miss two to three weeks with injury

Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund (21), who has found the net in six consecutive Premier League matches, is anticipated to be out of action for a period of two to three weeks due to a muscle injury, dealing a significant setback to the team's aspirations of securing a top-four position.

"It's a minor injury, lasting about two to three weeks," stated manager Erik ten Hag during his discussion with reporters on Friday.

"There is a risk of injury during high-intensity training. Despite it not being a major injury, he will have to wait for approximately two to three weeks."

Due to the recovery time, the Danish player will not be able to participate in Saturday's league game against Fulham, United's FA Cup fifth-round match against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, and the Manchester derby at the Etihad on March 3rd.

Hojlund has scored seven goals in the league, with his recent brace securing a 2-1 victory for United against Luton Town last Sunday.

Ten Hag's team, who have triumphed in their last five matches across all competitions, currently hold the sixth position in the Premier League standings with 44 points, trailing five points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa. Fulham, on the other hand, are placed 12th.

This was the manager's first interaction with reporters since the completion of British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe's $1.25 billion deal for a 25% stake in the club. Ten Hag expressed that he and Ratcliffe engage in regular communication and he possesses confidence in the new co-owner.

"Certainly, we have numerous discussions. Our ambitions are aligned, and we both have the same goal. We are also aligned in terms of the process," said Ten Hag.

"I have been here for 19 months. I can observe that we are headed in the right direction. I see a cohesive and progressing team. We strive hard during training sessions and matches."

Ratcliffe is determined to restore United to their former glory. The club's most recent Premier League victory was achieved in the 2012/13 season under the management of Alex Ferguson.

Earlier this week, he echoed a well-known phrase by Ferguson, expressing his desire to surpass rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.

"I intend to knock them all off their perch," Ratcliffe had stated.

Ten Hag emphasized that Ratcliffe's ambitious goals do not imply additional pressure on himself or his players.

"The pressure is normal because we share the same ambition and targets," stated the manager.