Manchester United keep struggling with a definitive solution to Rasmus Hojlund’s future
Manchester United are coming to this summer on the back of a disastrous season in 2024/25. 15th place in the Premier League, defeat to Spurs in the Europa League final, and being ruled out of any European competition for the 2025/26 season – all these brought deep disappointment for the club.
Ruben Amorim took over as manager mid-season, but it proved difficult to get the team out of the sinking boat. The club had put a lot of faith in Rasmus Hojlund at the start of the season, buying him as a striker of the future, but his performance was far below expectations. Now the new season will begin against Arsenal at Old Trafford, and the team will try to make a fresh start with new faces.
Winds of change and echoes of old decisions
United wasted no time in reshaping their attacking strength in the summer. High-profile signings like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, as well as the arrival of youngster Diogo Leon and striker Benjamin Sesko, indicate that the team now want a faster and more versatile attack.
Manchester United keep struggling with a definitive solution to Rasmus Hojlund's future.
Rasmus Hojlund’s future still hangs in the balance
These transfers make it clear that the club have removed Hojlund from a key role, even if they don’t say so openly. His goal tally and big misses last season have drawn criticism. The question now is how the club will deal with this situation and what will happen to the 22-year-old’s future.
Transfer Update
According to Rudi Galetti, United are currently only considering permanent offers for Hojlund, especially over the next 10 days. AC Milan and a few other clubs are expected to make a solid bid. If that doesn’t happen, the club would be willing to send him out on loan with a purchase option at the end of the transfer window. Inter have cooled off and Milan are more interested in a loan, while United have a valuation of £40m-£45m. The Dane has also opened the doors for an AC Milan move.
Hojlund, on his best days, is a fast, physical and dangerous striker in the box, but his finishing and consistency have been a major problem. The Dane’s tally of just 26 goals in 95 games shows he has yet to fully adapt to the pace and pressure of the Premier League. The club’s recent offensive changes are a sign that the Dane is no longer the first choice.
A balanced but risky move
United’s decision seems pragmatic, as the club do not want to lose any more on Hojlund after spending a massive £72m. It’s wise to focus on permanent offers in the next 10 days, as this could minimise the financial losses.
However, the risk of this strategy is that the player could lose morale. If he stays at the club and get fewer opportunities, it could spoil the atmosphere. With the arrivals of Sesko, Cunha and Mbeumo, it is clear that United have reshaped their attack, and Hojlund does not seem to be part of that picture.
AC Milan are focusing on loans, and it is difficult to find a club with a permanent buyer in the current market. If a permanent deal is not done before the window closes, United will be forced to accept a loan. This will probably set the club further back in recovering their investment. We think United should either accept a strong offer now or plan to use Hojlund as a backup striker early in the season.