It is somewhat damning of Manchester United's other attackers that supporters are left sweating on the fitness of Rasmus Hojlund, a striker yet to score in the Premier League, for Sunday's trip to Everton.
Hojlund and Danish compatriot Christian Eriksen were forced to withdraw from international duty during the break after both being forced off in the 1-0 win at home to Luton Town. The former limped off the Old Trafford turf holding his hamstring and match-goers were left with a bitter taste upon heading home.
United, usually so vague when announcing injury news to the public, sensed the ill-feeling and broke tradition by actually providing some detail. Hojlund would not feature in the international break but should be back before the month's end.
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Erik ten Hag reiterated the point on Thursday evening, offering a fresh update on the Danish duo. Eriksen's issue is slightly longer-term but Hojlund faces a race to be fit for this weekend.
The very fact that United are having to leave it so late suggests it is not worth risking Hojlund, particularly given his injury was a muscular one. The season is long and Ten Hag has already had to fight with rushing his marquee signing to full fitness.
“We are not in a rush,” Ten Hag insisted in August when asked about Hojlund's potential debut, following the flagging of a back injury during medical tests. “We know we have also without him a strong team and the position is covered, so we don’t rush this.
“It’s about that he’s in the right level. First from the first fitness level and then we have to integrate him, training and then we will bring him in the games, so we take our time.
“It’s not about winning in this moment. It’s about winning on the long term."
United's other options upfront may not be particularly palatable for supporters, but they are certainly better than the risk of aggravating an issue before fixtures start to pile up. Ten Hag's men head to Istanbul on Wednesday for a must-win Champions League tie at Galatasaray before next weekend's trip to Newcastle.
Anthony Martial looks to be playing out his final season in United red but the French international has a surprisingly good recent record against Everton. He has scored three times against the Toffees since 2020, which for a striker who has only managed 18 goals altogether in three years, is notable.
Martial has been largely ineffective when called upon this season but retains the backing of his manager, who has often made a point of highlighting the 27-year-old's strengths. And he only knows the issues that can follow a rushed return to play.
Not until Sunday afternoon will we know the decision and Hojlund will only play if he is fully fit and passed by the medical team. But Ten Hag needs his striker for more than this weekend and the Dutchman might be minded to heed his own advice and win on the long term.
