Manchester United are in the market for a new striker this summer, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could have a big say on the matter.
Manchester United’s summer transfer business took a big step forward last week.
Bryan Mbeumo completed his move to Old Trafford, signing on the dotted line after protracted talks with Brentford.
Mbeumo joins fellow new signing Matheus Cunha in a re-tooled United attack, though there could still be one more signing to come.
United want to bring in a new centre-forward to play ahead of Cunha and Mbeumo, handing Amorim an entirely new-look front line.
A deal does not appear to be imminent, with United seeking sales before another signing arrives, though RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is wanted at Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could spark Manchester United striker domino effect
If United are to bring in a new striker, Rasmus Hojlund may need to move on.
Hojlund has been tipped for a move to Juventus, with Italian clubs still appreciating his talent after shining for Atalanta.
The Dane hasn’t quite excelled at United, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could spark an Old Trafford exit.
Reports in Italy suggest that Besiktas want to sign Artem Dovbyk from Roma, just a year after he left Girona for the Italian capital.
United hero Solskjaer is now in charge at Besiktas, and has already raided Roma for one striker this summer by landing Tammy Abraham.
If Solskjaer does pounce to sign Dovbyk, then Roma are interested in signing Hojlund as a replacement.
New Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini coached Hojlund at Atalanta and would be keen on a reunion in the Eternal City.
Hojlund heading to Rome would then pave the way for United to bring in a new forward, though there is one big drawback here.
United left waiting for moves to materialise
Newcastle United are also chasing Sesko, and will be keen to wrap up the striker’s signature quickly.
The Magpies will be well aware that United need to sell players before advancing with a move for Sesko.
This potential exit route for Hojlund would not only rely on Roma, but also on Solskjaer’s plans with Besiktas.
These deals could take time to materialise, meaning United could be left waiting before any potential Hojlund departure.
Ruben Amorim won’t want this situation to drag on until the end of the transfer window, and certainly won’t want to risk letting Hojlund leave without having a replacement ready to come in.
Hojlund’s situation could be key to any incoming business for United in the final third, and a departure may well start with Solskjaer, in a strange twist of fate.
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