Rasmus Hojlund's miserable term of office seems to end after his failed £ 72 million move in 2023, but writing has been on the wall for a while now
With Manchester United who splashes the money on Benjamin Sesko, Rasmus Hojlund was essentially told to pack his suitcases. The Danish striker, 22, has only collected 26 goals for two years for the Red Devils.
The Arsenal of Ruben Amorim was considerably strengthened during this window, with more than £ 200 million spent on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and now athletic sniper Sesko, whose arrival of £ 74 million was announced last weekend. With so many ins there must be outs and one name that looks at all to leave is Hojlund.
Despite the decree in the preseason he would stay and fight for his place in Old Trafford, whatever happens, a sharp change has been reported, as AC Milan stands in line to accept the £ 72 million men. Although an expected exit only came out this summer, Hojlund's ability has not convinced for some time.
He arrived Fresh in 2023, after he looked a raw but talented prospect for the Side Atalanta Serie. Some immediately shot at his price tag, because he had scored only 10 times for the Italian side, and it kept looming while he settled under Erik ten Hag.
Hojlund lasted until December to score his first Premier League goal, increasing further doubts. On the way to the beginning of 2024, after a dry run of just one goal in 10 games, were concerned about rumors from Old Trafford.
In May 2024 it was reported that some teammates from the striker were reluctant to pass Hojlund the ball during competitions, because they were worried about his finishing opportunities. These suggestions were refused by the club.
Although his debut campaign saw him register a modest 16 goals in all competitions, last season saw a considerable drop-off and lack of trust from new boss Amorim. Hojlund scored only four times in the top flight when United finished 15th.
Hojlund was Bullish when this preseason arrived and stated last month that he would fight for his place in Manchester. But after the services of Sesko were secured, an interview from the head coach of United and a meaningful team selection such as a Coup de Grâce acted.
Sesko was presented last Saturday to the Old Trafford Faithful before a pre-season-friendly against Fiorentina, who ended with 1-1, and Amorim was asked about his new signing, with a loser in Hojlund's direction explained.
“He has the characteristics we needed,” Amorim told MUTV with regard to Sesko, suggesting that Hojlund does not have such attributes. “Ben is a player who, with all the information we have, we have to prevent the man from working – it's not the opposite!
“That is also important. He is really young, he is good in the air, he is good to let the channels run and he is good on the ball, so I think he has a great potential.
“I think he can improve a lot. Certainly, he will feel at home in our club. He is the right character in this group, so we are really, very happy to have him.”
A second blow was treated when it came to team selections. Even with new recruit Sesko, Amorim opted for the usual midfielder Mason Mount as a false nine instead of Hojlund.
This step essentially meant the exit and absence of Hojlund from Amorim's plans, and Talksport reported that he has come to terms after his plea for the season had fallen to deaf ears.
Milan looks the most likely destination, which means that a fee in the £ 30 million region can be sufficient to close a deal. What is almost certain is that Hojlund's nightmare in Manchester will end soon, and for potentially less than half of which he was purchased.