Transfer News: Manchester United sign Rasmus Hojlund
Another new signing for Manchester United
The £72m (£64 million plus 8 million of add-ons) signing of Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta has been completed by the club.
Having joined the Serie A side in 2022, the 20-year-old scored 10 goals in 34 appearances last season.
After suffering a small injury during pre-season training with Atalanta, Hojlund will miss the beginning of the 2023-24 season. United kick off the campaign against Wolves on Monday 14th August. This means United will probably start the season with Rashford playing in that more central role.
He was presented to the United fans before their friendly win against Lens.
Before Manchester United's friendly with Lens, which ended in a 3-1 victory for the Red Devils, Hojlund received a rapturous reception when he walked out of the players' tunnel.
As a result of his presence, a Danish TV crew flew in to cover the event.
Last week, Manchester Super News explored the potential impact of the new signing: Football News: Man United on verge of another signing (manchestersupernews.blogspot.com)
Is this a gamble for Manchester United?
Some have argued that the transfer represents something of a gamble for United, who have also been linked with a move for Harry Kane.
In the recent past, they have gone for experienced forwards in the form of Radamel Falcao, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and, most recently, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Hojlund is at the other end of the age and development spectrum. It will be fascinating to see whether manager Ten Hag can develop him in the same way he developed so many outstanding Ajax players who he led to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.
Fan reaction
Pete is a Manchester United Season Ticket holder. He is very happy with the club's new signing, adding: "He is a real frontman." He has an excellent directness to the goal, a good presser, and a physical presence. I think we needed that player, alongside Rashford, another player who can score goals. Goal-scoring is all in his mind. I have seen him play in Italy and I'm convinced he will be a success in the Premier League."
Liam, a Manchester United Season Ticket holder, added: "This is a fantastic signing for us. Young signings are always a risk but this will be a success."
Manchester over Paris
Paris St-Germain were also reportedly interested in Hojlund as a potential replacement for Kylian Mbappe, whose immediate future for that club is unclear. You'd have to wonder where PSG will look next.
Atalanta have no intention of budging on their £86m bid for Denmark forward Rasmus Hojlund, 20, who Manchester United are keen on. (Mail)
— Binusman🇳🇬 (@binusman011986) July 22, 2023
Paris St-Germain is also interested in Hojlund and has already started discussions about him. (L'Equipe) pic.twitter.com/2gWGXJLBoI
Comparisons are being made to another striker in Manchester
It is obvious that Erling Haaland and Rasmus Hojlund have a lot in common.
Both are over 6 feet tall with blond hair. They are both ruthless in the final third. When the new Premier League season starts, both will be playing for Manchester clubs.
