Who will lead Manchester United’s attack next season remains a mystery.
Links to top strikers like Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko persist, yet Rasmus Hojlund could still stay put.
Heading into the summer window, the expectation was that Hojlund would be moved on, his exit paving the way for a marquee striker signing.
Names like Viktor Gyokeres, Hugo Ekitike, and Liam Delap were touted as major upgrades on the Dane.
But none arrived. Instead, they joined rival clubs.
INEOS’ striker chase has shifted from hopeful to frustrating.
While decent options remain on the market, it is still unclear whether United will commit to a new striker signing and that indecision is part of why the club remains undecided about Hojlund.
Ideally, he would have been sold. His four league goals last season suggest he is not the man to lead United’s line, and a fresh start might have served him well.
Hojlund in demand
Interestingly, Caught Offside reports that United would not have struggled to cash in on the striker this summer.
They describe the 22-year-old as one of the most sought-after young forwards in Europe:
“Bayer Leverkusen, led by former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, are among the clubs pushing hardest to secure Hojlund’s signature,” the outlet claims.
“They’re not alone in their admiration. AC Milan, Inter Milan, Napoli, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and Eintracht Frankfurt have all been keeping tabs on Højlund, as the race to sign the Denmark international becomes one of the most hotly-contested stories of the transfer window.”
While such interest should be music to INEOS’ ears, there is a concern that many of these clubs will not match their level of interest with firm offers.
Hojlund: staying or leaving
United, keen not to appear desperate, and perhaps toying with the idea of keeping Hojlund, are holding firm.
As Caught Offside note:
“Man United are understood to be open to letting Hojlund go — but only on their terms (a permanent exit for the right price).
“United [are] holding firm on their valuation and structure demands, [so] negotiations are proving to be a major stumbling block.
“United will have to manage growing interest while deciding whether to cash in on Hojlund or give him more time to develop in England.”
That tough stance saw Inter Milan, once frontrunners in the Hojlund race, have their loan proposal swiftly rejected.
They did not return with a better offer; instead, they pivoted to a transfer alternative.
With striker links to Watkins and Sesko (and even Nicolas Jackson) still swirling, and interest in Hojlund rising, it will be fascinating to see if United soften their stance and compromise on the terms of his exit.
In the end, it is Hojlund’s fate that should shape Amorim’s attacking plans next season.
Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
Get paid to write about United! We’re looking for an experienced writer to join the team. Click here for details.
Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
