Man United are “prepared to offload” Rasmus Hojlund – ESPN

Manchester United are reportedly open to selling Rasmus Hojlund in the January transfer window with the club facing a “big loss” should the Dane depart Old Trafford.

Mark Ogden (ESPN) reveals the Red Devils are “prepared to offload” the 21-year-old striker this month – or “at the end of the season” – if a suitable offer arrives.

However, the reporter contends, United will incur a significant financial hit as any offer for Hojlund won’t come close to the “initial €75 million” fee the club agreed to sign him from Atalanta in 2023.

While there were bright sparks in Hojlund’s debut season at Old Trafford following this blockbuster move from Serie A, the Dane’s regression this season has been stark with the United fanbase growing exasperated by his performances (or lack thereof) under Ruben Amorim.

Hojlund’s link-up play, which was not strong last year, has reached an all-time low this campaign. In the first-half against Fulham last night, the 21-year-old was dominated by the opposition centre-halves, losing the ball on virtually every occasion he touched it.

It makes it impossible for United to progress play up the pitch as the centre-forward – a key conduit for build-up in a 3-4-3 system – is constantly yielding possession, rather than enabling his teammates to move towards the opposition box with the ball.

Ogden brutally concludes, Hojlund is “struggl[ing] to look anything like a Premier League striker” – let alone of the most expensive ones in the division’s history.

However, the ESPN reporter reveals Hojlund’s reputation in Italy “remains healthy” due to the “potential he showed at Atalanta.” This means Serie A giants, Juventus and AC Milan, retain an interest in the Dane and both “could move for the youngster if they fail to land their preferred options.”

There is also “some interest” in Hojlund from the Bundesliga, though Ogden does not reveal which German clubs are potential suitors for the 21-year-old.

Regardless, United “aren’t being overwhelmed with offers” for the striker and it’s extremely unlikely any team would table an offer the Red Devils would consider acceptable. The fact that the club would be open to Hojlund’s departure is a significant shift, however.

Last season the Danish international was internally considered an ‘untouchable’; this year, United would actively entertain offers for an exit. Things change quickly within the world of football.

Perhaps if Hojlund could demonstrate a better touch on the pitch for the remainder of the season, Old Trafford officials may reinstate his untouchable status off it before the summer window opens. If not, the Dane may simply join a long list of players to be sold for a fee dwarfed by the one United paid in to bring them to the club in the first place.

Featured image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images

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