Manchester United are planning a busy summer transfer window as Erik ten Hag builds for the 2023/24 Premier League season.
A new striker is a key target for the Dutch boss, with Marcus Rashford and Antony deployed out wide and growing doubts over Antony Martial's future.
United have been linked with Tottenham star Harry Kane, but Spurs' rumoured £100 million asking price coupled with their reluctance to sell to a domestic rival could block a move.
The latest name linked with a move to Old Trafford is Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, with Ten Hag viewing him as an option to bolster a forward line already boasting Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho.
MORE: Man United takeover: Who are the bidders who want to buy Man Utd from the Glazers?
Rasmus Hojlund former clubs, goal record
Hojlund has come to wider European attention on the back of a strong debut season at Atalanta, with nine Serie A goals in his first year in Italy.
He scored 12 goals in 21 games at Rapid Vienna prior to moving to Atalanta in an eye-catching six-month spell in Austria in the second half of the 2021/22 season.
Rasmus Hojlund transfer latest
As per reports from Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic, United are keeping their options open over a new striker, with Hojlund just one target on a list of players they have held "detailed talks" with. Randal Kolo Muani of Eintracht Frankfurt is also on Ten Hag's radar.
Hojlund is viewed as a more attainable target than France international Muani due to their respective transfer valuations of £51.6m/$64.2m and £68.8m/$85.5m.
It would represent a huge return on their investment for Atalanta if they opt to sell for the suggested fee, and Hojlund is a significantly cheaper option than Kane.
Most goals scored in UEFA European Championship Qualifying so far:
— Squawka (@Squawka) March 27, 2023
◉ 5 - Ramus Højlund
◎ 4 - Cristiano Ronaldo#EURO2024
Due the 20-year-old's lack of experience at the highest level, United will look to drive that price down to closer to £40m/$50m as talks progress.
Where would Rasmus Hojlund play at Man United?
Hojlund was primarily used as Gian Piero Gasperini's first-choice central attacker in a front three last season with an average of just under one league goal per game, based on 20 overall starts and five in two games for Denmark in 2023.
However, while his goal statistics do not signal a ruthless finisher, his wider game is the main appeal for Ten Hag as he wants a central forward player that impacts the whole team.
Rasmus Højlund is gonna be a problem. pic.twitter.com/ftT9IzGc5e
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) March 25, 2023
His pace over short distances is particularly effective at bringing the team higher up the pitch to build attacks and he links well with fellow speedsters out wide.
Based on 2022/23's Serie A data, Hojlund's two standout numbers reflect his instinctive ability to test goalkeepers and also provide a focal point in attack, which United are currently missing.
Only Victor Osimhen and Lautaro Martinez averaged more shots on target per 90 minutes than him, with Hojlund tallying 1.37 per game.
Rasmus Højlund (19) 🇩🇰✨| @Atalanta_BC | pic.twitter.com/NduNpV4kZ0
— Jack Fawcett (@JackFawcett1704) October 4, 2022
He also finished sixth in the Serie A list for progressive passes received at an average of 11 per game, which shows his hold-up ability under pressure.
Comments
0 comment