Rasmus Hojlund has revealed his delight at returning to Manchester United training ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.

The 21-year-old forward has been sidelined for the opening weeks of the new campaign after suffering a hamstring injury during United’s pre-season defeat to Arsenal in July. However, less than 24 hours after United’s 7-0 victory over Barnsley in the League Cup third round, Hojlund returned to training at Carrington.

Taking to Instagram to post the snaps of the session, Hojlund wrote: “I guess being a football player the caption should be ‘happy to be on the pitch again’, but I think the photo says it all.”

After signing for United in a £73m deal from Atalanta last summer, Hojlund scored 16 goals in 43 appearances in his first season at Old Trafford. But the Denmark international faced plenty of criticism last season as he suffered a goal drought at the end of the campaign.

Erik ten Hag has backed Hojlund for a big future at Old Trafford. Speaking back in April, the Dutchman said: “He has had three injuries this season but still, as you say, he scored 14 goals.”

“I think that’s a very good record for a young player. When we decided to go for him, we bought a player for this season and for the future.

“He has to develop, he has to progress, he needs time. Sometimes it goes up and down. Before winter he struggled to get his first Premier League goal but he is a very strong character. He is very eager for every match, so it can be every match to return his form. I am more confident, he’s close.”

As well as Hojlund, Mason Mount was back in training on Wednesday afternoon.