Man Utd news: Andre Onana hails 'key player' as transfer mistake identified

Manchester United will begin their preparations to return to winning ways against Dutch side Twente after only managing a goalless draw against Crystal Palace in the Premier League

A new week and after the disappointment of dropping points against Crystal Palace, Manchester United have European football to focus on once again.

The Red Devils will hope to bounce back quickly from their goalless draw against the Eagles and preparations will get firmly underway to face Twente in the Europa League. It will see Erik ten Hag's men feature in the competition for the first time since getting knocked out at the quarter-final stage against Sevilla in 2023.

The Dutch coach will hope to see the continued recovery of Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount. The former made it on to the pitch against Palace while the latter was among the substitutes.

Mirror Football take a look at some of the news surrounding Old Trafford ahead of another busy week.

Rasmus Hojlund message

Rasmus Hojlund made his return to action in Manchester United's draw with Crystal Palace as he came off the bench after 76 minutes. The Denmark international made his first appearance of the season after suffering an injuring during the club's pre-season tour.

The 21-year-old striker scored 16 goals in his debut season with the 13-times Premier League champions and was the club's primary threat in front of goal in a season they found it difficult to find the net. After going goalless at Selhurst Park, they will be hopeful that Hojlund can provide some spark going forwards.

Hojlund is planning to be involved in United's Europa League clash it appears and posted a message on Instagram following his return.

"Loved to be out there again," he said. "We go again on Wednesday. Gonna be so good to be back at Old Trafford."

Image: Peter Nicholls/Getty Images) Peter Nicholls/Getty Images)

Transfer mistake

Hojlund's return was not enough to persuade the weekend's pundits that Manchester United did not need more firepower however. Neither Danny Murphy or Ashley Williams are convinced by the club's strikers.

United spent £36.5million on landing Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, but they do not believe he will provide an answer. Speaking on Match of the Day , Murphy said: "I think they made some decent signings defence but they didn’t address the shortage of goals.

"They scored joint lowest amount of goals in the top half last season and they bought in Zirkzee, the only attacking player who is a young lad and not a goalscorer."

Williams added: "Is Zirkzee going to get you 20 goals a season? He’s the only attacking addition. That’s what they were lacking last season. Palace were there for the taking. United actually played really well.

“They ended up nearly losing the game! It’s going to be the same thing as last season. Who’s going to score goals for them?”

Andre Onana's Hojlund message

United goalkeeper Andre Onana was certainly happy to see Hojlund's return to action and believes his teammate will make an important contribution this season.

Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)

The former Ajax and Inter Milan shotstopper is also relieved to see the likes of Tyrell Malacia returning to training and believes his side need to resolve their fitness issues with the likes of Luke Shaw still out.

“He’s 'Hojlund] a key player for us and we are all happy because he’s coming back," said Onana. “Malacia also came back [to training] yesterday, so it’s important to have everyone back.

"And then the manager will make the choice, and we’ll be happy with that. We’ll have to see [Hojlund] on the pitch, but I know he will score important goals for us. I’m happy to see him on the pitch.”

“We need our guys back.”

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