Rasmus Højlund names “special” Man United player, naming “downside” to his fame

Rasmus Højlund has named the Manchester United player who is special to him, admitting a downside to his new-found footballing fame.

Rasmus Højlund‘s first season in a Manchester United shirt has been filled with mixed emotions. The young Danish striker has experienced bouts of high-scoring months and multiple-game goal droughts.

However, ahead of the FA Cup final, Erik ten Hag‘s last game of the season, Højlund is the club’s top scorer, having netted 16 times across all competitions–although Bruno Fernandes is not far behind, on 15 goals.

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When Højlund first joined Old Trafford, many thought he would be slowly integrated into the starting XI, but injuries have left him playing 42 times. Only Bruno Fernandes, André Onana, Diogo Dalot, and Alejandro Garnacho have featured more times this season.

Speaking to Tipsbladet, Højlund has outlined fellow Denmark international Christian Eriksen as a player who has been special to him during his debut campaign.

“I’ve been happy to share my first season at Manchester United with Christian,” Højlund said. “He stands out as something special for me because he is the player he is, and I’ve always looked up to him. Being teammates with him at both Manchester United and on the national team is somewhat surreal for me.”

Højlund arrived from Atalanta, but a lot of his development during the youth years of his career was at FC Copenhagen, who United played in the Champions League earlier this season.

“It was incredibly special to meet FC Copenhagen,” he said. “It was a great experience at both places and of course, I’m disappointed that we didn’t win at Parken. But scoring against my former club and a club that has a special place in my heart was something special.”

However, Højlund, being totally honest, has explained that he feels there are some downsides to his new-found fame as Manchester United’s No. 11.

“It’s been great. Personally, it’s been a fine year for me, and I’ve tried a lot of things. I’ve played in the Premier League and the Champions League, and that’s something I’ve always dreamed of. I’ve enjoyed it and am already looking forward to next season.

“You feel an incredible amount of pressure when you’re at Manchester United. There are eyes on you all the time, on and off the pitch, because the club is so huge. It takes some time to get used to it, but I feel like I’ve found my rhythm.

“I remember one of the first days when I was walking around the city with my girlfriend, and there were paparazzi photographers on the street.

“I thought, “Wow, do people really care to see pictures of me just walking around?” Apparently, you can make a lot of show and both good and bad stories out of that.

“I’ve always wanted to get here, and it’s not that it isn’t great, but there is definitely also a downside. You don’t have the same freedom in your vocabulary and generally in everyday life. You can’t always say what’s on your mind because it can be taken out of context.

“I do miss that part – being able to be at peace and act like an idiot if that’s what you want. I do miss being able to mind my own business without thinking about whether someone is listening and keeping up with where Rasmus Højlund is now.”