Rasmus Hojlund’s father explains which former Man United legend his son ‘imitates’ off the pitch

Rasmus Hojlund will officially join Manchester United on Saturday afternoon as he is expected to be unveiled ahead of the pre-season clash against RC Lens at Old Trafford.

The 20-year-old forward is Erik ten Hag’s answer to the club’s ongoing striker problems at United. He is raw and will be expected time to bed-in, but at United there is never much time even when you are young.

Hojlund scored 16 goals last term, nine of which were in the Serie A with Atalanta. Although, the Dane is one of the best strikers in his age-bracket across the continent.

Having previously admitted his admiration for United legend Cristiano Ronaldo, Hojlund’s off-pitch work has also been influenced by the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

His father, Anders, explained in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport last year his son’s enthusiasm about working on his body off the pitch as Ronaldo is so well-known for doing.

“One day he took me aside and said he would imitate him [Ronaldo] in everything. Not just on the pitch,” Anders Hojlund said. “Two days later and I find him there, on his bedroom floor, doing sit-ups and push-ups. He did all of this every night before he went to sleep. Every week. Even with the flu or a cold. Sometimes we told him to let it go, but he didn’t.”

The clear work-ethic both on and off the pitch is a clear reason why Hojlund has gone from Graz to Manchester in just over a years time.

Whilst the talented forward is not expected to be involved on the pitch after being unveiled to the Old Trafford crowd on Saturday, Hojlund could make his unofficial United debut against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

That would leave him ready to start the opening game of the Premier League season against Wolves on the 14 August.