Man Utd striker makes admission on weight amidst return to fitness after injury

Manchester United number 9, Rasmus Hojlund has recently opened up about his journey back to full fitness after suffering from a hamstring injury. The Danish international missed the beginning of the season due to the injury he picked up during the pre-season, and it has been a long road back to the pitch. 

Now, after his return, Hojlund has made a surprising admission regarding his weight, revealing how his body has changed while recovering from the injury. 

Manchester United fans still yearn for some sort of hope that their beloved team will improve this season. They have started again in a very poor fashion, and there is little belief that Erik Ten Hag is the man who will take the team to the promised land. 

The Red Devil fans and lovers will still need to show up en masse to support and cheer their team. For them to do this, they will need to purchase Manchester United tickets from an online resale store 

A recurring hamstring problem kept him out till recently 

Hojlund’s hamstring injury was a big setback for both him and Manchester United. Since joining the club in August 2023 from Atalanta, he has had high hopes of making an impact in the team but recurring injuries have stunted his progress. However, yet another injury during pre-season halted his goals, leaving him on the sidelines as his teammates have struggled so far this season.

For weeks, Hojlund watched his team from the bench, eager to get back into action but needing to ensure his body was fully recovered. So, Ten Hag had to be patient, waiting for Hojlund to fully recover before putting him out on the field again. After weeks of recovery, Hojlund finally made his return to action for Manchester United last month. The striker has since featured in five games and even managed to score once in the Europa League 3-3 draw against Porto. However, during his time away from the team, Hojlund’s body went through some changes.

In a recent interview, Hojlund admitted that his weight fluctuated while he was recovering from his hamstring injury. He revealed that he had lost a bit of weight but wasn’t too worried about it. “I have lost a little weight,” Hojlund shared, “but it doesn’t matter. I know there are some benefits to being a little lighter and some benefits to being a little heavier. I’m not focused on the scales.”

It is not really unusual for athletes to experience changes in their weight during periods of injury. When players are unable to train at their usual intensity, their bodies may lose some muscle mass or, in some cases, gain a little extra weight. In Hojlund’s case, his weight loss likely occurred because he was probably eating light, and trying to stay in shape in order to be ready when he is called upon.

Despite the weight change, Hojlund isn’t concerned. He noted that he feels he is getting better and healthier. “My body feels good again,” he said.

While Hojlund is back on the pitch for Man Utd, he remains cautious about pushing himself too hard too soon. He is aware that rushing back to full fitness could increase the risk of getting another injury, which is something no athlete wants. When asked about playing a full 90 minutes, Hojlund said, “I might be ready to play 90 minutes, but if I also use my brain a little bit, I don’t think 90 minutes on Saturday against Spain is a good idea.”

Weight fluctuations can sometimes be good for players

For professional footballers, being a little lighter can sometimes be an advantage, especially for fast players like Hojlund. Carrying less weight will translate in less strain on the body and quicker movements on the pitch.

On the other hand, being heavier can also be beneficial, particularly when it comes to strength and battling with defenders. A slightly heavier frame can give a player more power when holding off opponents and competing for headers or tackles. Strikers like Romelu Lukaku, and Michail Antonio are prominent examples of bulky players, who may not be the fastest, but certainly are always dangerous for any defender to face.

With the international break underway, Hojlund is using this time to continue building his fitness. He is currently with the Denmark national team as they prepare for their Nations League’s second match against Switzerland, he played just 12 mins in his team’s 1-0 loss to Spain. While he may not be ready to play the full 90 minutes, the Switzerland match will give him yet another opportunity to gain sharpness and more confidence on the field.

Manchester United, who face Brentford in their first match after the break, will be hoping that Hojlund comes back even stronger. The team’s poor start to the season has left fans frustrated, and they will be looking to players like Hojlund to help turn things around. With his goal-scoring ability and physical presence up front, the Danish striker could be key to Manchester United’s recovery this season.

Since joining Manchester United, Hojlund has shown glimpses of his potential. In his 43 appearances for the club, he has scored 17 goals, a decent return for a young player still adjusting to life in the Premier League. However, with injuries disrupting his rhythm, fans have not yet seen the best of what he can offer.

Now that he is back from his hamstring injury, Hojlund will be determined to make up for lost time and prove his worth to the team. He has already scored once since his return, and with more game time, he will be looking to add to his goal tally.

Conclusion

As Manchester United continues to struggle, they will be hoping that Hojlund’s return to form can help lift the team out of their current slump. His ability to balance fitness and patience shows that he is particular about his body. Man Utd fans will hope that his return will yield goals to propel the team to the top four this season.