Manchester United are planning to sell Rasmus Hojlund after the arrival of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
Rasmus Hojlund in action for Man Utd.
Manchester United have options if they want to replace Rasmus Hojlund.
(Image: Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Manchester United have overhauled their attack this summer with the big-money signings of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.
As such, it was clear that players would need to depart with the focus on their so-called 'Bomb Squad' - who informed Ruben Amorim that they wished to leave this summer. So far, only Marcus Rashford has managed to make that exit, but Alejandro Garnacho looks to be closing in on a transfer to Chelsea - if a fee can be arranged.
Ultimately, when the news broke that Sesko was more than just a mere target for the club, question marks began to surround the future of Rasmus Hojlund. Despite being keen to insist over recent weeks and months that he is happy at the club, The Manchester Evening News understands that the Dane feels there is very little option but to depart this summer.
AC Milan are the front-runners to sign Hojlund but, if they manage that, United will need someone to play second fiddle to Sesko and provide competition for his spot in the team. With that in mind, The Manchester Evening News has taken a look at five candidates who could become United's second choice striker;
Dusan Vlahovic - Juventus
The most expensive option on this list is Dusan Vlahovic. Juventus are keen to sell the striker due to his contract and seem destined to force the Serb out of their club one way, or another.
It's understood the Turin outfit have set an asking price of approximately £21.5million, which is optimistic after 15 goals last season and with just a year remaining on his contract. Vlahovic seems like an unlikely option due to the finances involved, but you just never know in this window.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin - Free agent
Reports have suggested recently that Dominic Calvert-Lewin is desperate to sign for United after leaving Everton this summer. It's claimed the striker has even sacked his agent to try and push through the move.
Aged 28 and relatively inexpensive, this could be a solid option for United. However, there's a worry that he could become disgruntled by his lack of minutes, especially if Sesko hits the ground running.
SportsBoom understands West Ham and Leeds hold an interest in Calvert-Lewin, as well.
Chido Obi - Manchester United
Of course, the replacement for Hojlund could be found from within. Chido Obi was promoted into United's squad last season due to a torrid run of injuries.
He showed promise at 17 and there's definitely a player in there. But, perhaps, it's too soon to call on the teenager regularly for the subs bench, especially when he needs minutes.
Jamie Vardy - Free agent
Perhaps a more low-risk option would be the veteran Premier League winner Jamie Vardy. He's just left Leicester City as a hero and is on record suggesting that he can still do it in the English top-flight.
Leicester City icon and now-free agent Jamie Vardy.
Leicester City icon and now-free agent Jamie Vardy.
At 38, the deal would likely only be for a year - which could give United chance to reassess the situation in 2026. His goal-scoring record speaks for itself though and nine Premier League goals for a struggling Foxes side is really impressive.
Joshua Zirkzee - Manchester United
The realistic option for United is to keep Joshua Zirkzee as back-up striker at the club. The problem with this is that Zirkzee started to impress last season playing deeper.
He would be much better utilised as a No.10 than a centre-forward and will perhaps be more lethal in that position too. Although, with other areas - chiefly midfield - also needing to be improved this summer, Zirkzee appears to be the only logical replacement.