Unbothered Rasmus Hojlund embraces competition as club ramps up hunt for his upgrade – report

You will have to be there come 2025–26 to see who leads the line for Manchester United. Right now, who that will be is still a mystery.

Rasmus Hojlund has looked sharp in pre-season. He did not score against Leeds or West Ham, but the goals always felt imminent.

Against Bournemouth, he should have had a brace. His brilliant glancing header gave United the lead in the 4–1 win, and early in the second half, he thought he had added a second (Amad’s shot brushed off him, diverting the ball into the far corner), but the winger claimed the goal.

Either way, Hojlund looked much improved, and looked his best in quite a while.

With the Benjamin Sesko links gaining traction ahead of that friendly, he opted to show he is ready for a fight.

Hojlund’s tricky position

So, is the Dane worried about his spot at United with an upgrade seemingly in the pipeline?

Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic has unpacked the complex situation surrounding the striker.

On United’s chase for Sesko, Whitwell notes:

“United executives are now seeing if a deal can be struck with RB Leipzig and the player himself.”

He adds:

“Were he to arrive, Sesko would, as the new signing, expect to be starting each week if fit.

“But, as yet, Hojlund has not been told directly he is up for sale.

“He may have suspicions given United’s approach in the market, but that is not enough to alter his mindset at present.

“Should United make it clear to him that he needs to leave, that could change.”

Interestingly, while the narrative suggested Hojlund would make way, Whitwell suggests there is still a way for him to stay:

“Amid the uncertainty on that, Hojlund has not instructed his agents, SEG, to actively engage in a transfer away from Old Trafford.

“It is not impossible that United can raise the finances for Sesko without Hojlund leaving, given they could yet recoup significant fees on Alejandro Garnacho and Antony.

“United could agree the Sesko deal before selling players, so long as it happens before next year’s PSR deadline.”

Sesko vs Hojlund: the battle

With both Hojlund and Sesko 22, United’s number nine may be wise to seek a move, as he is risking playing second fiddle to the Bundesliga hitman.

But will he, given that he recently revealed he wants to see out the rest of his contract at the Theatre of Dreams (comments he has just repeated).

🚨 Rasmus Højlund: “I am still very young, people sometimes forget that. I am only 22 years old”.

“I have learned a lot, and I think that shows in my game. I have done very well so far during the pre-season… I want to stay here”, told Daily Mail. pic.twitter.com/llNSPB10NN

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2025

Even so, with Joshua Zirkzee a hybrid forward, Ruben Amorim could opt to use the Dutchman as a number 10.

That would leave the battle for the nine-role to Hojlund and Sesko (Chido Obi likely getting occasional cameo appearances).

While Sesko is tipped to be an instant hit, Hojlund could offer him just the right kind of competition.

Two hungry young strikers pushing each other to the limit is exactly the kind of battle Amorim might relish as he sharpens United’s attacking edge.

Feature image Vincent Carchietta via Getty Images

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