Manchester United have received a boost in their attempts to sell Rasmus Højlund after the signing of Benjamin Šeško, as the conditions of his deal have been revealed.
Manchester United’s incomings in the transfer market have left several players with no option other than to leave the club if they want to play regularly, especially considering Rúben Amorim’s side has missed out on European football.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have joined the club as the two first-choice attacking midfielders in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation, meaning Alejandro Garnacho and Antony are without a clear place in the side.
To make way for the two new signings, Bruno Fernandes has dropped back into the centre of midfield, leaving no space for Toby Collyer. As such, the young midfielder has joined West Bromwich Albion on a season-long loan.
Benjamin Šeško has also joined the club to bolster Amorim’s attacking force, leaving Rasmus Højlund as the third-choice striker behind the Slovenian and Joshua Zirkzee, with Chido Obi also knocking on the door.
In the final pre-season game against David de Gea’s Fiorentina, Hojlund was left as an unused substitute, with Mason Mount starting as the centre forward.
Hojlund set for permanent move
With no place in the first-team squad, it became clear that United wanted to sell Højlund this summer, rather than loaning him for the season and seeing him return next year.
However, Napoli, who are the most interested club, have presented an offer that sees the Denmark international join on an initial loan deal, with a permanent transfer possible if certain requirements are met.
In some deals, the clauses to make a loan deal permanent can be as extreme as winning the league or fighting for the Champions League, but Fabrizio Romano has reported otherwise for Hojlund’s transfer.
The transfer guru has stated that the conditions surrounding Højlund’s loan are primarily focused on appearances and qualifying for the Champions League.
Seeing as Napoli won the league last season and are without starting striker Romelu Lukaku for at least three months, Højlund’s clauses could easily be met, and United may have finally seen the back of the former Atalanta centre forward.
Zirkzee needs to take the pressure off Šeško
Zirkzee hasn’t played for United since the Europa League final last season, where he was rushed back from a hamstring injury suffered against Newcastle United.
The Dutchman has been on the bench for both of United’s Premier League matches this season, but will take some getting up to speed before he is ready to play 90 minutes week-in, week-out.
Read More: Rúben Amorim outcast agrees deal to leave as Manchester United stand by original demands
However, Zirkzee should be picked ahead of new man Šeško for the time being, as he is already used to the pressure of United and has become a slight fan favourite after his early substitution last season.
Šeško has many similar traits to the outgoing Højlund, and – if he isn’t developed and managed correctly – he could be another example of a young striker failing to handle the pressure of United.
In his brief cameos, he has looked promising, but it would be best to leave him out of the spotlight for the time being, especially if United’s poor form continues.
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