Manchester United is setting its sights on Rasmus Hojlund, a talented young footballer who is drawing comparisons to the likes of Erling Haaland.
The 20-year-old Danish international has caught the attention of the club’s management, with United manager Erik Ten Hag confirming that they have made progress in their search for a new striker. While Hojlund appears to be the most obvious target, the Red Devils are cautious about meeting Atalanta’s hefty £60 million valuation for the promising player.
Hojlund’s journey in football commenced with youth spells at Boldklubben af 1893 and Brondby before making his senior debut for Copenhagen at the tender age of 17 in 2020. His early days in the Danish Superliga were challenging, but a move to Austrian club Sturm Graz in January 2022 proved to be a turning point in his career. There, he showcased his lethal left foot and impressive footballing intelligence, scoring nine goals in 17 starts during the second half of the 2021-2022 season.
Following his remarkable stint at Sturm Graz, Atalanta secured Hojlund’s services for a reported fee of £15 million. This move turned out to be a bargain, as Hojlund displayed his goal-scoring prowess in Serie A, bagging an impressive 20 goals in 47 appearances for Atalanta and the Danish national team. Notably, he achieved a memorable hat-trick against Finland in the European Championship qualifiers, further elevating his profile.
Although Hojlund’s potential is evident, a comparison with the prolific Erling Haaland reveals that he still has room for growth. Haaland’s remarkable record of 36 goals in 35 league appearances for Manchester City last season far exceeds Hojlund’s rate of a goal every 204 minutes in Serie A. However, it is important to remember that Hojlund is still in the nascent stages of his professional career, having only completed two full seasons. In contrast, Haaland managed 12 goals in 25 appearances for Molde in his second season.
Hojlund’s playing style offers an exciting prospect for Manchester United. His lightning-fast goal against Lazio demonstrated his acceleration and precision, hinting at his potential to form a potent attacking trio alongside wingers like Rashford, Garnacho, and Sancho, which could be one of the fastest in the Premier League. Additionally, his delicate touch and dribbling skills add a flair reminiscent of a winger, despite his physical build resembling a traditional number nine.
With United in need of a centre-forward and Rashford’s versatility often pushing him wide, the club is seeking an ideal candidate to bolster their attack. While they have ruled out pursuing established stars like Mbappe and Kane, the focus on prospects like Hojlund indicates a willingness to invest in raw talent. Although Hojlund is a work in progress, his glimpses of quality suggest a promising future and the potential to blossom into a star player.
As Manchester United continues its pursuit of the perfect striker, Rasmus Hojlund stands out as an exciting prospect, and his raw talent makes him a compelling candidate for the club’s forward line.
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