Following a disappointing season for Manchester United, a summer exit for Rasmus Hojlund is looking more and more likely, and he could even reunite with former United man.
Manchester United endured a difficult campaign last season, and few felt the weight of it more than Rasmus Højlund, who often appeared out of his depth as the team’s leading striker.
The 22-year-old managed just four Premier League goals and, as the season wore on, even struggled with fundamental aspects of his game, such as his hold-up play.
With speculation mounting over his future, what Højlund may need most is time away from the spotlight to reset mentally and recover from a confidence-draining year, in hopes of rediscovering his form ahead of the new season.
Yet, instead of a break, Højlund has continued to feature heavily. After participating in United’s post-season tour, in his most recent poor performance, he was almost non-existent in his country’s 2-1 win over Northern Ireland in their World Cup qualifiers.
Hojlund could reunite with Erik ten Hag
Although he said he wanted to stay at the club and honour his contract on the weekend, an exit this summer isn’t completely off the table for Højlund.
Speaking to United In Focus, transfer expert Graeme Bailey explained some of the options the United forward has and even suggested that there could be an outside chance of a shock reunion with his former boss Erik ten Hag at Bayer Leverkusen.
“Hojlund knows he can leave and his people are working on the options. United have made it clear that they are looking at a permanent deal and I firmly believe that Hojlund wants that too,” Bailey said.
“There is strong interest from Italy – Inter Milan, Napoli, Juventus and even AC Milan – they all like him, but Hojlund is not moving to be second or third choice.
“I am told that the German interest is genuine, the family like Germany – both his twin brothers are there – and it is a consideration. RB Leipzig like him, and they could need a Sesko replacement, whilst Eintracht Frankfurt have looked. Can we discount Erik ten Hag and Bayer Leverkusen? No, I am told we should keep an eye on them.
“Hojlund knows the next choice of club is big and he wants and needs to get it right.”
What next for Hojlund?
Given the club’s tight financial constraints, United may find a reasonable offer difficult to refuse. Recouping a portion of the initial transfer fee could help fund much-needed reinforcements for Amorim’s squad.
Regardless of Højlund’s future, United are expected to bring in a new striker before the transfer window closes. Should the club secure a more experienced forward, such as Viktor Gyökeres, it could finally allow Højlund to fulfil the role originally envisioned for him: a young understudy learning and developing behind a proven goalscorer.
At 22, Højlund needs to put a challenging season behind him. A proper break over the summer could give him the mental reset he needs to rediscover the promise he showed during his first year at Old Trafford.
It remains to be seen if selling the Dane could prove to be a mistake in the long run, given the amount of time he still has to improve, even more if the pressure was taken off of him with the signing of a more experienced striker.
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