Erik ten Hag must avoid tempting Manchester United alternative to Rasmus Hojlund

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will have a selection of headaches for the next couple of weeks in the build-up to the international break return. Perhaps the one which is most pressing is how he will replace Rasmus Hojlund in the centre-forward position when the Reds line up at Goodison Park.

While the 20-year-old Dane may not have scored in the Premier League as of yet, he has proven himself in the Champions League and has shown glimpses domestically. Currently, Hojlund is United's most proficient option to play up front for the Reds and the lack of alternatives is a concern for Ten Hag. From the outside looking in, the choice of replacement is straightforward.

Anthony Martial may not have played the most minutes this season but he is the only player in this United squad who is a natural in the centre-forward role. If Ten Hag wants to go like-for-like he has no other option than the Frenchman.

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However, there is another option which the Dutchman could be considering but ultimately should avoid. On occasion, Marcus Rashford has played the centre-forward role for United when they have been short. Ten Hag has even employed this approach when the moment has presented itself.

On his day, Rashford is one of United's biggest threats in front of goal but that is not from the No.9 position. The England international is much more suited to playing on the wing and cutting inside.

Even in his more preferred role this season, Rashford has struggled but shifting him to an area of the pitch where he is clearly uncomfortable will not benefit United or their current Hojlund dilemma.

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