Rasmus Hojlund looks set to leave Old Trafford this summer as Manchester United revamp their attack.
Man Utd striker Rasmus Hojlund.
Man Utd striker Rasmus Hojlund. (Image: Kevin C. Cox - Premier League/Getty Images)
Rasmus Hojlund's time at Manchester United is coming to an end - at least for this campaign - and perhaps even permanently should the Reds get their way in the next few days.
Benjamin Sesko's arrival from RB Leipzig was always going to leave question marks as to the future of the striker, considering he has been the first choice in that position since his arrival. Sadly, last campaign did little to prove to Ruben Amorim that the status quo in attacking quarters must remain.
Too often, Hojlund struggled to be the leading man at Old Trafford and while he may feel hard done by considering that Sesko will be given better support in the forward areas this season, his fate looks sealed. The Manchester Evening News understands that AC Milan are interested in Hojlund and the Reds are confident of completing a deal for the 22-year-old.
Should this deal - as is expected - be completed before the September 1 deadline, the Reds will be in a position where they need to replace the striker. While yes, United have just brought in a forward, they would be left with only Chido Obi or Joshua Zirkzee playing back-up to Sesko.
While neither option is overly controversial, you feel that the Reds perhaps need more in the way of support for the Slovenian considering that Obi is still very raw and Zirkzee has enjoyed better performances in a deeper No.10 role. But, this is where there is a problem for the Reds.
United's spending has been sky-high and even if they manage to sell Hojlund permanently, as well as Alejandro Garnacho for that matter, they will still need to be careful with the expenditure on what would essentially be a back-up. Fortunately, there is an option that would be available for free.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin in action for Everton.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin in action for Everton. (Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Dominic Calvert-Lewin may not be high on United fans' wish-list, but there is a lot to like about a deal for the ex-Everton man. First off, as mentioned he is available for free so the risk of bringing him to Old Trafford is minimal at best.
Secondly, he seems eager to join. If reports are to be believed, he has "sacked his agent" in an attempt to take control of his future and work on a move to United.
Third, he is a decent age. At 28, there is still a chance that the best of Calvert-Lewin is yet to come and Amorim would back himself to get the best possible performance out of him.
Finally, he has an essential quality for a back-up which is Premier League experience. When at the top of his game, Calvert-Lewin has shown he has been able to deliver in the English top-flight which would make him an ideal 'Plan B' for Amorim moving forward.
Of course, if we were talking about Calvert-Lewin being the main striker for United this season, alarm bells would be ringing. But, he would not be signed for that purpose and considering money for a Hojlund replacement will be tight, this seems like a hugely sensible option.
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