It is no secret that Manchester United have been in the market for a striker ahead of next season, with Atalanta’s Danish forward Rasmus Højlund at the top of their shopping list.
With Anthony Martial unreliable due to fitness issues and last season’s loan signing Wout Weghorst failing to provide the goals that Erik ten Hag wanted from him, Højlund has been pointed out as United’s next number nine, and at just 20-years-old could be a long term solution for the Red Devils.
All round play
Hojlund is the ideal modern day striker – despite his age, he has a well-rounded skillset and would be a great option for ten Hag in a number of different scenarios. Standing at six foot and three inches tall, Højlund possesses great physical presence and can hold the ball up well, despite only being 20-years-old.
On top of his impressive frame, Højlund has a great turn of pace and is a serious threat in behind the defence, with a selection of finishes in his locker. He has a lethal left foot, which helped him to nine Serie A goals last season for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.
Taking the load off Marcus Rashford
United’s main man Marcus Rashford was in great form last season, regularly putting the team on his back and contributing 30 goals in all competitions for the Red Devils. With big-money signings Jadon Sancho and Antony failing to contribute big numbers, Højlund’s presence up top for United would not only give United an extra goalscoring option, but would also give the creative players behind him more space to work as he stretches the defence with his clever movement.
Bruno Fernandes and new signing Mason Mount both operate at their best when they have dangerous options ahead of them, and Højlund is exactly that.
English Premier League defences across the country will have their hands full at the idea of Rashford and the Danish goalscorer running in behind them, and if the two build up a partnership good enough to force managers to make difficult decisions in order to deal with them, the likes of Antony and Sancho may also come into their own with the extra space given to them.
The next Haaland?
Erling Haaland took the EPL by storm last season, scoring a record-breaking 36 goals in just 35 games as Manchester City won the treble. Højlund will hope he can have a similar impact in England – not only does he have a similar name and frame to City’s star man, the two are both of Scandinavian descent and are left footed strikers with a knack for sniffing chances out of nothing. United fans will certainly be licking their lips if Højlund manages to replicate the performances of last season’s PFA Player of the Year.
How do you think Rasmus Højlund will perform if he signs for Manchester United? Let us know on Social Media!
