Manchester United have been given a clear response from long-term target Randal Kolo Muani, after approaching the French forward as a possible replacement for Rasmus Højlund, according to a report.
One in, one out?
Hojlund, 22, is on the verge of joining Serie A champions Napoli on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy worth €45 million, according to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Denmark international has endured a miserable twelve months at Old Trafford with a paltry four goals in the Premier League last season.
Hojlund’s all-round play has suffered even more than his goal-scoring prowess, with United teammates almost appearing to actively avoid passing him the ball, such is the certainty that he will be immediately dispossessed.
The club’s pre-season tour of the United States gave Hojlund a chance to redeem himself in Ruben Amorim’s mind – and the striker produced better performances, though many of his weaknesses were still prevalent in these friendlies.
United’s continued hunt for a new number nine demonstrated both Amorim and the executive branch’s assessement of their current version. And the arrival of Benjamin Sesko – a 22-year-old centre-forward with a potent pairing of pace and physicality, ala Hojlund – has now fully rendered Hojlund an afterthought at Old Trafford.
As a result, the former Atalanta star has not even been included in the matchday squad for either of the opening fixtures of the season – a reality which has prompted him to pursue a return to Italy in search of more first-team opportunities.
But, in a surprising turn, United seem unwilling to simply let Hojlund leave due to the increased competition in Amorim’s front line without first securing a replacement.
According to CaughtOffside, the Red Devils have been “explor[ing] alternative options for their attack” — with Kolo Muani chief among these targets.
A Firm Response
CaughtOffside’s report reveals United “made contact” with Kolo Muani’s representatives in order to establish their interest and open talks for the Paris-Saint Germain forward, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus.
“One source explained: ‘Manchester United, while waiting to reach a total agreement with Napoli for the departure of Rasmus Hojlund, have started to explore alternative names for their attack. Among the players considered is PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani.
“‘United recently made contact, asking for information and signalling to the player’s entourage their interest in opening talks. However, Kolo Muani has given no indication of being open to a move to Old Trafford. The French forward has made his stance clear: his priority is Juventus.’”
Kolo Muani is eager to return to Juventus with talks ongoing over a permanent switch, though the Oldy Lady have been “unable to reach an agreement with PSG” at this stage of the window.
This impasse had alerted Old Trafford executives to the prospect of a hijack for the France international – but his response has all but killed any lingering hope of a move.
Whether United explore alternative options in the attack, given the pressing needs elsewhere in Amorim’s team (central midfield and in goal), remains to be seen.
Feature image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
