MY ACCOUNT
Rasmus Hojlund is one of Europe’s rising stars and Manchester United are reportedly interested in his services.
The 20-year-old marksman has enjoyed an impressive debut season with Atalanta, helping the Serie A side secure continental qualification.
United require a new centre forward, given Anthony Martial’s injury issues restricted him to just six Premier League goals this term, while the loanee Wout Weghorst failed to net in the competition.
With the Red Devils facing Manchester City in the FA Cup final this afternoon, we consider what Hojlund could bring to the side, should he join.
Great Dane
Hojlund has registered eight goals — all from open play — in his debut Serie A campaign.
Atalanta’s No17 breaks into the box with purpose, averaging 6.79 touches in the opposition penalty area.
He is a capable provider, too, creating 24 chances and notching two assists.
The Dane’s all-round attacking game makes him an attractive prospect as United look for a new focal point up front.
Youthful exuberance
Hojlund is adept at leading from the front without the ball, harrying defenders and leading his side’s press.
The four-cap international has won 31 aerial duels and regained possession 37 times in the middle third in Serie A this term — evidence of his willingness to put in the hard yards.
United boss Erik ten Hag would be particularly appreciative of that trait as he looks to build a side that both attacks and defends as a unit.
Catching the eye
Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini hailed Hojlund’s quality at such a young age and admitted the interest in his striker does not come as a surprise.
He said: “From a technical standpoint and in other areas, I have seen very few strikers who are as strong as him at 20 years old.
“Nowadays, once this type of player emerges, the top European clubs generally swoop in with offers that are hard to turn down for a team like Atalanta.”
Gasperini’s exasperation
Gasperini has been unimpressed by the speculation surrounding his young centre forward, however, and believes that it has distracted him.
He added: “The qualities are all there. At the beginning, we had to get to know him but he immediately stood out for his great will to break through.
“He did very well after the first [part of the season], then he was called up to the national team and too many rumours distracted him, then there was the injury.
“If he knows how to improve, he will mature in all aspects.”
City clash
Fierce rivals City await United in the FA Cup final for the first time ever in this competition.
Ten Hag has already won his first trophy with the Red Devils after beating Newcastle 2-0 in last February’s Carabao Cup final.
This time around will be a tougher task, given their opponents are chasing a Treble under Pep Guardiola, having already claimed the Premier League title.
Regardless of their success or failure at Wembley this afternoon, the Red Devils need a new No9 — and Hojlund is an exciting prospect indeed.
