Man United are closing in on a deal for Benjamin Sesko and there could be consequences for Rasmus Hojlund.
Rasmus Hojlund could leave United this summer.(Image: 2025 Manchester United FC)
Rasmus Hojlund delivered an interview to get his message across during Manchester United's pre-season tour in the United States.
There has been uncertainty around Hojlund's future at Old Trafford throughout the summer, but he reiterated in a Stateside chat with journalists that he wants to stay.
Speaking about his future in the US, Hojlund said: "I think my plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens. I'm still very young. I think people forget that sometimes. I'm only 22.
"Obviously, not every striker is scoring 100 goals at the age of 22 (like Erling Haaland). But I've learned a lot, I think you can see in my game. I'm starting to develop and become even better in the basics.
"Now it's just about for me to sharpen myself and I've done very well in the pre-season so far. Just focusing on continuing that.
"Competition is fine with me. It sharpens me. I'm more than ready. I'm feeling sharp, so I'm welcoming everything that comes. I think it's good with competition and it only sharpens the team."
Those comments weren't a surprise, considering Hojlund also outlined his desire to stay in Manchester when he spoke to journalists while on international duty with Denmark in May.
"I have a contract until 2030, so I expect to play for Manchester United," Hojlund said. "I'm looking forward to going on a summer vacation, and then I'm fully dedicated to the project that's underway."
Hojlund has spoken about his future.
The mixed zone comes alive when footballers have a message to convey. Asking players for a few minutes to chat as they leave the stadium can be a thankless task, but every now and then someone wants to get something off their chest.
Hojlund's admission of wanting to stay at United is certainly not as juicy as Mohamed Salah speaking to Liverpool correspondents about his contract situation outside St Mary's Stadium last season, but it was still interesting to hear Hojlund is keen to fight for his place.
However, despite Hojlund wanting to remain at the club, it's understood that the striker is ultimately resigned to leaving if United complete a deal to sign Benjamin Sekso this summer.
United are prepared to make a loss on Hojlund, who was signed in a £72million deal from Atalanta in 2023, to help get their ducks in a row, meaning the Dane could be a victim of Sesko's arrival.
In an ideal world, Hojlund would be kept to play second fiddle to Sesko. He would likely improve with less pressure on his shoulders and he is a better player than he was able to show last term.
But United will take their summer spending to close to £200m if they secure Sesko and they must begin to offload sellable assets so they can comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Hojlund joined United for an up-front fee of £64m and is two years into a three-year contract, so his PSR value is calculated at £38.4m. United are understood to be open to selling Hojlund for £30m.
Although Hojlund was incredibly disappointing last season, some supporters will be sympathetic because he could be forced out when he wants to stay.
That will probably hurt Hojlund's confidence and he is still a young player. But football is a cut-throat business and United are not a charity. He wouldn't be in this situation if he'd scored more goals last season.
Hojlund wants to stay, but the indicators suggest he will not get what he wants.