Manchester United could be about to learn something new about Rasmus Hojlund

Saturday night's trip to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United will mark the beginning of a big period for Manchester United and manager Erik ten Hag.

Playing three times in the space of just nine days, United, who last visited the Steel City in 2020, face two important Premier League fixtures, including the Manchester derby against City, and a crunch Champions League group game against FC Copenhagen.

After a stop-start beginning to the season, United can ill-afford to experience further troubles over the next week or so. Anything less than a minimum of two victories will spell trouble.

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In United's defence, though they have shot themselves in the foot on countless occasions already this season, they have had to contend with an unprecedented injury crisis, particularly in defence. As soon as Ten Hag has recovered one player, another took that man's place in the treatment room.

As a result, the second international break of the season probably arrived at just the right time for United. They needed to be able to hit the pause button after navigating their way through seven games in three different competitions in just 22 days with a depleted squad.

Though Ten Hag will confirm more when he addresses the media on Friday lunchtime, there is an expectancy that Raphael Varane will be back in the squad for the trip across the Pennines. Sergio Reguilon and Kobbie Mainoo could also feature, giving the Dutchman a much-needed boost.

As well as some members of the injured brigade being set to return, Antony could bag his first start for the first time since returning to the squad at the very