Rasmus Hojlund: A look at the Manchester United target

Comparisons between Rasmus Hojlund and Erling Haaland are fairly obvious. They both are over 6ft in height and look like they will be great strikers in the future. By the look of things, it appears to be that the two blonde-haired strikers will be playing for the two Manchester clubs in the Premier League.

Hojlund, 20, remains the most obvious target, although the Red Devils are hesitant to meet Atalanta’s £60 million asking price for the Denmark international. But what would he contribute to the Premier League and Manchester United’s offence, and can he truly compete with Haaland? Following junior stints at Boldklubben af 1893 and Brondby, Hojlund began his professional career in Copenhagen, making his debut in 2020 at the age of 17.

Sturm Graz

After struggling in Danish Superliga he left in January 2022 to join the Austrian side, Sturm Graz. At Sturm Graz, the young Dane was at his best. In the second half f the 2021-22 season, he scored nine goals in 17 appearances. Hojlund drew attention with his powerful left foot and superb footballing mind. The striker improved his ability to get into space and time runs to perfection in order to set up a wide range of finishes. He joined Sturm Graz for 1.5 million pounds. But after an impressive season, he left for the Italian club, Atalanta for 15 million pounds.

Hojlund’s previous season

He scored 20 goals in 47 matches for Serie A and Denmark, where he made his debut in September. He scored five goals in two European Championship qualifications for Denmark in March, including a hat-trick against Finland.

Hojlund vs Haaland

Even if the potential is there, when his numbers are compared to Haaland’s, Hojlund falls far short of the Norwegian.

Last season, Haaland scored 36 goals in 35 league games for Manchester City, averaging one goal every 77 minutes. Hojlund scored every 204 minutes in Serie A.

 Having said that, Haaland had an incredible season, is two years older, plays for the European champions, and is further along in his career. 

Hojlund has only played two full seasons as a pro. In his second season, Haaland scored 12 goals in 25 appearances for Molde.

So, while Hojlund is not a finished product, he can be shaped and developed to become the ideal fit for United’s starting XI. There have been glimpses of Hojlund’s potential, including a Haaland-esque goal against Lazio last season. Hojlund ran from the halfway line, squeezed past two defenders and slid in to grab a cross as Ademola Lookman launched a counter-attack down the left flank.

United may have one of the Premier League’s fastest front threes with the help of wingers such as Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho. Hojlund, on the other hand, has a more delicate touch and dribbles more than Haaland, averaging around 10 more touches per match.

Manchester United in need of a forward

United require a centre-forward. With Anthony Martial out for much of last season due to injury, Rashford has emerged as the team’s talisman. Last season, the England striker was spectacular, hitting 30 goals in 56 games – one per 143 minutes. His best position, on the other hand, is wide on the left, cutting in on his stronger right foot.

Wout Weghorst, on loan from Burnley, was not signed on a permanent basis by United at the start of this transfer window. They have quietly ruled out making bids for PSG’s Kylian Mbappe and Tottenham’s Harry Kane, both world-class attackers.

Also Read: How will Arsenal line up after Rice and Havertz signing?

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