'I can handle him' - Crystal Palace defender sends warning to Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund

Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen believes he will be able to contain international teammate Rasmus Hojlund when Manchester United host the Eagles twice in five days.

The pair have played together in five Denmark matches, including both of their Euro 2024 qualifiers this month. The duo are set to face off at Old Trafford in the League Cup on Tuesday ahead of their Premier League clash at the same venue on Saturday.

Hojlund opened his United account against Bayern Munich last week and will spy the League Cup - a trophy the Reds lifted in February - as a chance to add to his tally. Anderson knows of his goalscoring traits well having seen him convert for Denmark since the striker’s debut just over a year ago.

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The 27-year-old hailed the talents of Hojlund, although is confident he can handle him in the two matches against him this week. Speaking to Palace club media, Anderson said: “It’s going to be fun to play against him!

“He’s a young lad with a good character, a lot of energy and really good attributes. He’s quick, he’s strong and he has a lot of energy.

“It’s not easy to play against a player like him and I think his start [in England] has been really good. He scored last week so I’m really happy for him."

He added: “Hopefully he’ll score a lot of goals for our national team... but I think I can handle him in the games we’re going to play against each other!”

Hojlund has now played in four United matches since his arrival after having his debut - a substitute appearance against Arsenal - delayed by a few weeks due to a back problem.