Manchester United seek to buy “the next Erling Haaland” this summer
By Evan Curnew
Manchester United is expected to buy at least one striker this summer for Erik ten Hag and Rasmus Hojlund is shortlisted
As reported by The Athletic‘s Laurie Whitwell, Manchester United has been in contact with Serie A side Atalanta over a potential transfer for Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund. Director of Football John Murtough has been leading these discussions for Manchester United.
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As has been long reported, Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani is also someone the club is monitoring. The Athletic report that between the two options. Hojlund is seen as the more likely one.
Hojlund is represented by Sports Entertainment Group (SEG), which also represents Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag.
Rasmus Hojlund only joined Atalanta last summer from Austrian side Sturm Graz. Hojlund has seen a meteoric rise this season having scored 8 goals and recording 4 assists in 31 Serie A matches.
What really put Hojlund into the spotlight recently was his performances in the March international window. With UEFA Euro 2024 qualification taking place, Rasmsu Hojlund was called up to the Denmark national team. In what was his first international start, Hojlund scored a hat trick against Finland on March 23rd. He followed that up 3 days later bagging a brace against Kazakhstan.
Hojlund even recently admitted that he supports Manchester United:
"“Now that you ask, I will not hide the fact that I am a HUGE Manchester United fan. So personally, it would be one of the biggest things for me.” [Source]"
Manchester Evening News also exclusively revealed that Erik ten Hag has held video calls with Rasmus Hojlund, signalling an imminent move for the player.
Hojlund has been stylistically compared to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, as both are physical strikers with the ability to bulldoze their way toward the goal.
Rasmus Hojlund would undoubtedly be a cheaper transfer than both Randal Kolo Muani and Victor Osihmen, making him an intriguing option for Manchester United. Manchester United are expected, per The Athletic, to add both an experienced and young striker this summer as the club looks to push towards their title ambitions.