“He’s the future…” Manchester United praised for brilliant double “long-term” move

Manchester United have been praised for a brilliant double move that could hand Erik ten Hag “long-term” success as manager at Old Trafford.

Rasmus Højlund‘s performances with Denmark during the 2024 European Championships were not quite as impressive as his first season at Manchester United. The team failed to win any matches and was knocked out by the host nation, Germany.

The 21-year-old’s first season under Erik ten Hag was marked by both triumphs and challenges, although he did emerge as the club’s leading scorer with 16 goals across all competitions, including five in the Champions League, and played a key role in United’s FA Cup victory.

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However, at just his young age, Højlund handled the immense pressure well, proving his worth and justifying the £72 million transfer fee from Atalanta with his talent and potential.

With Anthony Martial leaving the club after his contract expired, Manchester United are looking to strengthen their front line. Reports indicate that they have reached an agreement to sign Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee and that he will become a United player with his Euro 2024 having concluded after England knocked out the Netherlands on Wednesday evening.

Andy Cole, reacting to the news that Zirkzee will almost certainly become a United player, has explained that he feels that, ultimately, the 23-year-old is the club’s future and that United’s double swoop of both Zirkzee and Ruud van Nistelrooy as a new coach will benefit everyone involved.

“As he’s still a young player, then ultimately, he’s the club’s future,” Cold told Betfred. “He will need time to settle in and adapt to the Premier League.

“The Premier League is a tough league, but the good thing now is that Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s there, and he will have the opportunity to work with both Rasmus and Joshua. He will help them understand what the Premier League’s all about, even though Rasmus already half understands what the Premier League is all about. 

“Bringing in another young centre-forward and then bringing in Ruud van Nistelrooy to help the pair of them, then it’s a positive in the long-term. Ruud was a fantastic centre-forward and I do believe it’s a positive deal for the club. Ruud would help any striker.”

Cole went on to explain that he thinks highly of Van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals in 219 appearances as a player under Sir Alex Ferguson.

“Ruud’s a good guy, and his managerial career has gone very well so far. Ruud can help anybody improve. I’ve always thought really highly of him because he’s a fantastic goalscorer and I think with him going into the club, he will be a big plus for any of the attacking players there.” 

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