The fact that Rasmus Hojlund was given zero minutes in Manchester United’s final pre-season match against Fiorentina yesterday was a big indication that the club wants him to leave this summer.
Hojlund has been United’s first choice number 9 for much of pre-season, but yesterday’s official announcement that the club has signed Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig was the final nail in the coffin for the young Dane, who managed just four Premier League goals in 32 Premier League games last season.
Writing on the wall
The fact that Hojlund managed so many starts for the Red Devils last season was as much due to the lack of other options as anything else.
Josh Zirkzee was brought in for competition but he too struggled, particularly in the early part of the season.
Although rumours of a new striker started to proliferate in the lead-up to the January transfer window, United did not act, with INEOS claiming they were not willing to fund a stop-gap solution.
The Dutchman started to overtake the Dane in the post-Christmas pecking order, but then was beset by injuries that once again allowed Hojlund to regain his place. 17 year old Chido Obi was the only other option.
Admirable loyalty and self-belief or arrogant, delusional stubbornness?
During a summer in which the Red Devils have been linked with virtually every top class striker in Europe and beyond, Hojlund, a lifelong United fan, has been adamant that he wants to stay and fight for his place.
Even when the news broke that Sesko was arriving, the Dane showed no sign of budging. Several clubs expressed an interest, with AC Milan becoming the front runners and now being close to agreeing full terms on a loan with option to buy. Just one thing still stands in the way – the player’s agreement to move.
United make brutal call
This recalcitrance has forced INEOS into an unusual and rather brutal step, according to a new report this morning from journalist Ben Jacobs.
The reporter claimed on X that now, “Hojlund has now been directly told he’ll need to leave to gain minutes this season and is considering his options.
“Manchester United prefer to sell, but have not ruled out a loan.
“Milan prepared to meet #MUFC’s £40m valuation via a loan fee and buy option. Further talks took place yesterday.”
Rasmus Hojlund has now been directly told he’ll need to leave to gain minutes this season and is considering his options.
Manchester United prefer to sell, but have not ruled out a loan.
Milan prepared to meet #MUFC‘s £40m valuation via a loan fee and buy option. Further talks… pic.twitter.com/bAs2YUEmyZ
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 10, 2025
The fact that the player “is considering his options” suggests that he has now accepted his fate.
Given Hojlund’s determination to succeed at United, it’s likely he would prefer a loan rather than a sale. Returning to Serie A, where he made his name, will certainly give him a chance to rebuild his reputation and prove to INEOS that he is still the right man to lead the line at Old Trafford.
Featured image Patrick McDermott via Getty Images
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Red Billy
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
