Premier League side Manchester United, after much negotiations, have finally agreed on a deal to sign striker Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta, as per multiple reports.
The 20-year-old had already agreed on personal terms with Man United over a week ago and now finally, the Red Devils have completed negotiations with the Serie A side.
Atalanta had paid €17 million for the forward last summer and now they are set to make around €85 million from his sale. The Denmark international scored nine goals and four assists in 32 league games last season and his performances had attracted not only Man United but also PSG.
As per Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United will be paying €70 million guaranteed for the youngster while another €5 million are add-ons which are very easily achievable. There’s another €10 million worth of add-ons but these are going to be more tricky and complex so currently, United are shelling out around €75 million for Rasmus Hojlund.
How will Rasmus Hojlund fit in at Manchester United next season?
Erik ten Hag let go of Ronaldo last year and Anthony Martial has failed to become the primary striker at the club so from the very beginning of the summer transfer window, it was clear that the manager wants to bring in a new centre-forward.
ETH has time and again said that he wants a team that will be ready to press their opponents high up the pitch but neither Martial nor Ronaldo have been fit for this brand of football. Rashford can play through the middle but the England international is more comfortable out on the left wing and last season, he had most of his success when starting out wide.
Rasmus Hojlund, on the other hand, is a proper number nine who when playing alone up top is great at finding and running into space which is a nightmare for opponent defenders. He’s also great in coming into midfield and holding up the play which allows the wingers and the No 10 to run beyond him. His hold-up play is top-notch and it helps drag central defenders out of their positions which will be a great asset for Man United because they are trying to build up their play from the back.
Rasmus Hojlund is 6′ 4″ but for such a tall fellow, he’s not particularly great at headers and this is perhaps one area where the 20-year-old can improve when he comes into the Premier League. Erling Haaland has been a success in England because he’s handled the physicality of the EPL very well and if Hojlund can do the same then the Denmark international will take very little time to settle down.
During, United’s pre-season games, Ten Hag has been experimenting with Jadon Sancho as the false nine but now that he’s brought in a striker, the manager will go for a typical 4-2-3-1 approach.
Also, after the 20-year-old’s arrival, United’s front three will all be blessed with pace so closing down defenders and opponent keepers will be more fluid and synchronised next season.
Manchester United have shelled out a lot of money for someone who has had just one good season with Atalanta but Ten Hag has been very clear with what he wants and to date, most of his signings have come good. The likes of Casemiro, Martinez and Eriksen were some of the standout players last season so looking at the manager’s track record, Rasmus Hojlund could turn out to be a future superstar at Old Trafford.
