Erik ten Hag 'worried' about Man Utd hot shot as damning reality laid bare

dropped for trip to Fenerbahce due to concerns about his fitness, according to Owen Hargreaves. Hojlund's exclusion from Ten Hag's team turned heads following his encouraging performance in last Saturday's 2-1 win against .

The 21-year-old striker scored his first goal of the season and caused havoc for the visitors' defence, linking up play with his attacking peers and pulling opponents out of position.

But he started Thursday's 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce on the bench before being introduced in the 55th minute after Joshua Zirkzee's latest underwhelming showing.

Hojlund was expected to play from the get-go, given United had failed to win either of their opening two Europa League games against FC Twente and FC Porto.

And after full-time, Paul Scholes aired his frustrations with Ten Hag's decision to rotate for an important outing against Jose Mourinho's side.

"I think if he played Hojlund and Casemiro tonight they would have made a big difference," Scholes said on TNT Sports.

"I know there's games coming up, but Erik ten Hag needs to win games now, so play your best players."

Hargreaves was on the same wavelength as his former teammate, claiming worries about Hojlund's fitness inspired his surprise withdrawal.

He added: "I think I'd have to agree. He [Ten Hag] is worried about Hojlund and his minutes, he knows he needs him for West Ham at the weekend.

"I definitely would have played Casemiro. [Manuel] Ugarte played really well; he looked good, but offensively, United didn't show much.

"It was a fair result in the end. I don't think United can expect to go there and win right now, given their form. But three points after three [Europa League] games isn't good enough, clearly."

Hojlund was forced to wait until September 21 for his first appearance and October 3 for his maiden start this term after suffering a hamstring problem during pre-season.

But he has already re-established himself as Ten Hag's first-choice striker by scoring twice in three starts following the 16 goals that made him United's top scorer in his debut campaign.

The damning reality is that the Dutchman can't be blamed for managing Hojlund's minutes, as damaging as it may be. United face a hectic schedule before the November international break.

The Red Devils face five games in three competitions across the next 17 days, first travelling to West Ham United on Sunday.

Four home fixtures ensue, with Leicester City visiting Old Trafford twice - in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League - as well as Chelsea and PAOK.