Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is said to have sent a clear message to Rasmus Hojlund by not playing him against Fiorentina on Saturday afternoon.
The Portuguese coach oversaw a 1-1 stalemate at Old Trafford with the Italian side, though they would have lost had it not been for Robin Gosens's own goal in the first half.
Forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha made their home debuts, but striker Hojlund was afforded no minutes on the weekend despite being on the bench.
The Danish international's exclusion has coincided with the arrival of number nine Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, with his place in the team now taken by the new signing.
Fabrizio Romano has clamed that the decision to bench the forward sent a message to the striker about his place in the team, and added that the Red Devils are prepared to let him leave on initial loan of just over £5m amid interest from AC Milan.
Manchester United's Ramus Hojlund in action on January 26, 2025
Are United making a mistake by removing Hojlund?
Sesko is certain to be given the nod up front following his arrival from RB Leipzig, and considering United have no European football, the club may not be able to satisfy Hojlund's playing time demands.
It should be noted that Sesko has not played a single pre-season game for United, and it would be understandable if he took time to settle into life at Old Trafford.
The head coach could look to give minutes to Chidozie Obi-Martin, but relying on the 17-year-old as a first-team option would place unfair pressure on the youngster.
By allowing Hojlund to leave, United will only have one senior striker at the club, and they could risk leaving themselves short up front if one of their forwards were to suffer an injury.
Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund on December 12, 2024
Why Hojlund should serve as a warning to Benjamin Sesko
When Hojlund was signed by United from Atalanta in the summer of 2023, he arrived as a 20 year old, and supporters' expectations were high.
The striker scored 10 Premier League goals in his debut season but found the back of the net just four times in the top flight in 2024-25, though he is not the only talented youngster to have struggled at Old Trafford.
United have been guilty of not creating the right environment for their stars to excel in, and they must be careful with the development of Sesko.
The attacker only turned 22 on May 31 and has considerable room for improvement, and Amorim will be keen to make the most of his talents by integrating providing him with the room he need to develop.
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