‘Similar to Haaland’: Ex-manager raves about ‘incredible’ Manchester United striker target

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Manchester United transfer target Rasmus Hojlund has been talked up by his former Sturm Graz manager.

Once moves for Mason Mount and Andre Onana are concluded, Manchester United’s focus will turn towards signing a striker.

One of the most likely names to be targeted is Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund. A report via TuttoMercatoWeb reported Manchester United and Atalanta held talks earlier this month.

The 20-year-old is a bright talent for the future, who has six goals in five international games.

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loans, releases, youth for 2023/24

Rasmus Hojlund praised

Atalanta only signed Rasmus Hojlund last summer from Austrian side Sturm Graz. They had bought him from Copenhagen in 2020.

Hojlund’s manager at Sturm Graz was Christian Ilzer, and he has given an interview about the striker, his ability and potential next move.

In addition to being linked to Manchester United, other top Serie A sides are interested in Hojlund, with Napoli among them, in case Victor Osimhen is sold for a huge fee.

Ilzer was quoted by Calcio Napoli: “Hojlund has an incredible mentality and his way of playing is ready for a top club. I know him well, I can say that due to his speed and mentality he can play for Napoli and take the place of Osimhen. What the Nigerian did in Naples is crazy and it won’t be easy to replace him, but Hojlund could have a chance.

“Manchester United, Bayern Munich are also interested in him, but I would advise him to stay another year at Atalanta so that he can grow further and then go to a big European club.

“Hojlund, for the way he plays his role and the strength he puts on the field, I see him much more similar to Haaland rather than Osimhen. 

“He holds the pressure perfectly, indeed the more spectators there are, the more he gets excited. Napoli is the club made for him and whoever gets Hojlund gets a deal.”

While Ilzer talks up Hojlund as ‘made for Napoli’, the Italian side are not expected to make a move unless they sell Osimhen for the £130 million fee they are demanding.

Manchester United have an edge for Hojlund’s signature, as he is a self-confessed fan of the club, while Christian Eriksen has already tipped his international teammate fo fit in at Old Trafford, via Ekstra Bladet.