Today marks the second anniversary of Rasmus Hojlund signing for Manchester United.
The Denmark international moved from Atalanta to Manchester United in a transfer that initially cost £64 million, with an additional £8 million in performance-related bonuses.
Former United manager Erik ten Hag’s priority target that summer was Harry Kane, but instead of an inexperienced goalscorer in Rasmus Hojlund.
Hojlund joined fellow signings Andre Onana and Mason Mount at United that summer. None of the three have been able to stamp their authority on the team over the past two years, which raises further questions about the recruitment during Ten Hag’s tenure. They all remain part of Ruben Amorim’s squad, although it remains to be seen if they will have significant roles in the team this coming season.
Amorim has left it up to the players to buy into his methods as United’s head coach. Only time will tell if they can prove to be a success at Old Trafford.
They all need to improve.
Rasmus Hojlund’s first two seasons at Man Utd
The fact that United still need a goalscorer tells you everything you need to know about Hojlund’s first two seasons at United.
Scoring 16 goals in his debut campaign, Hojlund was unable to build on that in his second campaign. He scored just 10 goals and most of them came in cup competitions.
Amorim has yet to sign a new striker and it remains to be seen if the funds will be available to get one. That could give Hojlund another opportunity to be United’s main man next season.
| Appearances | Games | Assists |
| 52 | 10 | 4 |
United need a striker capable of scoring 20+ Premier League goals each season.
Hojlund is not at that level, but Amorim may need to restore his faith in the Dane this summer, unless Ineos can find a new goalscorer for the team. United have been linked with late summer moves for Benjamin Sesko, Ollie Watkins and Nicholas Jackson.
Prior to his transfer to United, at the age of just 20, the striker had scored 27 goals in 87 club appearances, including 10 in Italy for Atalanta the previous campaign.
Speaking about the deal at the time, Hojlund told ManUtd.com: “It is no secret that I have been a fan of this great club since I was a small boy, and I dreamed of walking out at Old Trafford as a Manchester United player.
“I am incredibly excited by this opportunity to turn that dream into a reality, and I am determined to repay the faith that the club has shown in me. It is still early in my career, but I know that I am ready to make this step up and play with this group of world-class players.
“Once I had spoken to the manager, I knew that this environment would be perfect for my development. I am relishing the opportunity to work with one of the best coaches in the world. Under his guidance and support, I know that I am capable of achieving great things together with my new team-mates at this special club.”
Hojlund lived his dream of walking out at Old Trafford as a United player. The next step is providing goals.
Amorim is relying on Hojlund again
United have signed two new number 10s in the summer transfer window after adding Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to the squad.
Earlier this summer, it looked like Amorim would prioritise a striker following failed attempts to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.
This means Amorim could turn to Hojlund to lead the line again next season. It gives the young striker another opportunity to stake his claim as a United player, or else he could be sold in the future.
There is still a chance that United could sign a striker before the new season, although that will depend on selling players.
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