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Rasmus Hojlund’s time at Manchester United has not gone as planned.
When United agreed to a £72 million deal with Atalanta in 2023 for the Danish striker, expectations were high.
At just 20 years old, he was seen as the missing piece in Erik ten Hag’s United project.
While his start was not spectacular — scoring 10 goals in 30 Premier League appearances — he showed promise in the Champions League, netting five times in six games.
However, he failed to build on that decent start at Old Trafford.
The 2024-25 season proved to be a miserable one for him.
Despite a respectable Europa League return of six goals in 15 matches, the United number nine struggled to make an impact in the Premier League.
United desperately needed goals, but the striker they had hoped would deliver managed just four in 32 league outings.
A shift in attack at Old Trafford
Heading into the summer, United’s priority is clear — adding firepower to the squad.
Matheus Cunha, who scored 15 league goals in 33 appearances, has already joined.
Bryan Mbeumo, who recorded 20 goals in 38 games, is also expected to sign once United reach an agreement with Brentford.
However, for the rebuild to be complete, a new striker is required.
So what does this mean for Hojlund?
According to Give Me Sport, United have made Rasmus Hojlund available for transfer, much like Alejandro Garnacho, in the hope that another club will take him this summer.
It is widely believed at Old Trafford that Hojlund will never reach the elite level United had envisioned when they invested heavily in him.
The report further states that the ex-Atalanta striker is set to make way for a new striker, with the possibility of being frozen out should he stay.
Notably, head coach Ruben Amorim has made it clear that Hojlund is not part of his plans for next season.
Amorim has moved on
While the Portuguese tactician is eager to bring in a new striker, the report emphasised that the head coach has completely moved on from Hojlund.
So much so that he would rather field Joshua Zirkzee or Cunha in the centre-forward role.
With these claims in mind, Hojlund’s fate seems all but sealed.
Serie A giants Inter Milan and Napoli have both been linked with his signature, and he may now need to seriously consider his options.
Loan move the most likely exit route?
Although United would prefer a permanent sale, the 22-year-old’s struggles last season mean clubs may be reluctant to offer a significant transfer fee.
As a result, he may be allowed to leave on an initial loan with an obligation to buy.
With Hojlund’s exit now looking increasingly likely, attention turns to who will take his place.
Links have emerged to Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, who could be the one to complete Amorim’s attack.
Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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