Rio Ferdinand has shared his brutally honest thoughts on the future of Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund amid speculation linking him to AC Milan.
Rasmus Højlund’s future at Manchester United is in serious doubt after the club secured the signing of Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig.
Šeško’s arrival follows Højlund’s inability to consistently deliver in front of goal, with the Dane scoring 26 goals in 95 matches under Erik ten Hag, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Rúben Amorim.
Although capable of brilliant spells, Højlund has suffered from frequent goal droughts, leading Amorim to recruit a forward of the same age but with far more senior experience.
Bought in for £72 million in 2023, Højlund has fallen short of expectations, and despite being touted as a potential “important” player for the coming campaign, United are now set to offload him this summer.
Højlund must leave United, says Ferdinand
Since Šeško was confirmed as the club’s new striker, Højlund has been closely linked with a move to AC Milan. The Serie A giants have offered a deal of a £5 million loan fee plus full coverage of his wages and the option to sign him for £39 million next summer.
Despite reports suggesting that Højlund’s preference is to remain at United, speaking on his YouTube channel, former United defender and club legend Rio Ferdinand believes that the 22-year-old should leave.
“The reports are that he’s talking to Milan about a loan move, then covering all of his wages and a loan fee for that, which will add to Man United’s financial situation. I think Rasmus Højlund has to go out on loan,” Ferdinand explained.
I think if I was him, I’d definitely want to go out on loan, minimum. Fresh start. Italy, he knows the place. He looked good out there. I think it’d be a good move for him. Milan would be a good move for him. I think it’d be good for him to go out there and get that experience.”
INEOS must take short-term hits for a fresh start
There have been questions as to why United would be willing to take such a significant loss on a player they signed just two years earlier. Still, Ferdinand went on to explain that he feels those now in charge, such as Director of Football Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada, must take the hit to secure a fresh start.
“I think this era, this Ineos almost has to write off money from the past regime,” the 46-year-old continued.
“It’s hard, I know that, but Man United can’t look back and go, oh, he was £75 million, we can’t let him go for £40-45 million. No, if he’s not right, cut your losses. That’s the way I look at it.
“And don’t worry about, oh, Man United have made this huge loss on so and so. INEOS weren’t there. Jason Wilcox, Omar, these guys weren’t in the building. It’s not their fault.
“They’re doing a cleanup process right now to try and clean the decks, make things right. And in the next year or two, three years, hopefully we see a positive reaction in that sense.”
While Højlund’s move to AC Milan is progressing, he has also been linked with a potential transfer to Premier League side Fulham, who are seeking a new striker.
However, as mentioned by Ferdinand, a move back to Italy, where he initially made a name for himself, may be the most comfortable and safest option for Højlund after he failed to live up to the expectations set for him at United.
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