This summer was expected to see a Manchester United clearout, but so far there is little sign of this happening.
After a worst-ever Premier League campaign, no Manchester United player could have thought themselves completely safe from being axed this summer.
Ruben Amorim had just four irreplaceable players, yet at this rate, he will be lucky to see four sold during the summer transfer window.
So far, United have released three first-team players with zero sales. However, this is expected to change.
Jadon Sancho is getting close to joining Juventus with personal terms being discussed between the club and the player. Talks have been ongoing, which should be a positive sign considering other clubs were put off instantly.
Now, it has emerged that another unwanted forward might not be in line to be sold this summer.
Rasmus Hojlund during Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League Final 2025
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Manchester United unlikely to sell Rasmus Hojlund this summer
The future of Rasmus Hojlund remains up in the air this summer, with his two seasons at Old Trafford far from good enough.
It has been claimed that Hojlund is more likely to leave United than not, however, the terms of his exit remain a mystery.
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Now, Ben Jacobs has been speaking with The United Stand and revealed the reasons United may look to loan Hojlund instead of selling.
“I think it’s unlikely that United go for a permanent exit right away, with interest from Italy, because then they make a book loss.
“It’s possible there is a loan with an option, it’s less likely to be a loan with an obligation because the overall package won’t reflect well on Manchester United’s books.
“The advantage of an option is that it can be set extremely high, so that’s the advantage. United have a clear idea now that Hojlund is more likely to depart than stay and they’re looking at a number nine.”
Hojlund has been heavily linked with Inter Milan, so in this case, it could also benefit the Italians to try before they buy.
United could loan Hojlund out with an option for Inter to buy him for £40m or so, which might seem high, but if he scores 25 goals in Serie A then it would suddenly look reasonable.
Manchester United must sell to afford Hojlund loan
Loaning Hojlund sounds ideal, with the Dane also having the option to return to United if he wanted after the year, however, as things stand the Red Devils cannot afford this.
If Hojlund is sent on a loan, it would mean that United won’t receive anything more than a loan fee this summer, which would be little help in the transfer market budget.
United don’t have a lot of cash in the bank to spend, so selling is pivotal. But if Ineos manages to sell Alejandro Garnacho and Antony then there will likely not be a desperation to permanently bid goodbye to Hojlund.
Hojlund is likely to shine in Serie A, and this could see his price tag rocket up which might make a simple loan better for Ineos next summer when a fresh asking price can be agreed.