Rasmus Hojlund will miss next month's Manchester derby after picking up a muscle injury, Manchester United have confirmed.

The Norwegian will miss ‘two to three weeks’ weeks of action beginning with Saturday’s clash with Fulham at Old Trafford.

His absence is a huge blow to United who have seen the 21-year old blossom in recent weeks after a difficult start to life at the club.

Hojlund has netted in each of his last seven games in all competitions helping United’s push for the top four.

The striker was quick off the mark last weekend, scoring after 37 seconds as the Red Devils picked up a third-consecutive away league win at Luton.

The goal was his 13th of the season in all competitions and further evidence of his growing confidence under boss Erik ten Hag.

United have shown signs of an upturn in form of late but losing Hojlund will undoubtedly serve as a blow to the club’s hopes of closing the gap on the top four.

A United statement read: "Rasmus Hojlund has suffered a muscle injury which is expected to rule him out for two to three weeks. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Rasmus."

Manager Erik Ten Hag, speaking in a press conference, said: "It's a small injury, three weeks. That is the risk, playing with high intensity and in training. It's not a big injury but he has to wait."

United are currently sixth, five-points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa and momentum firmly on their side.