United need a midfielder and Hojlund is available for transfer
Sean McCormick is a content editor across our North East and Yorkshire football clubs. He was previously a Newcastle United reporter, a trends writer covering both the Magpies and Sunderland AFC, as well as a football content editor at the Manchester Evening News. He also writes about darts and boxing. He joined us in 2016.
Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund
Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United may have enjoyed a positive summer transfer window so far but there are still two glaring priorities they need to solve.
United emerged from their opening day Premier League clash with Arsenal with a lot of credit, despite their 1-0 defeat, and a lot of that stemmed from the positives on display in the forward areas of the pitch.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were excellent in United's front three, while Benjamin Sesko looked bright from the bench. All three players were signed this summer for a combined fee north of £200million but the signs are looking good that they prove to be a success.
However, what was clear in their loss to the Gunners was United's need to strengthen their goalkeeper and midfield departments. Altay Bayindir was too weak for Arsenal's goal and offered another reminder he is not good enough for United.
If Andre Onana remains United's number one, in an ideal world United must strengthen his competition. The noises from Old Trafford suggest that isn't deemed a major priority in the final two weeks of the transfer window.
But a new midfielder is. And while Bruno Fernandes looked at home in a deeper midfield role, he needs a player with excellent physical attributes to play alongside him.
33-year-old Casemiro, who started on Sunday, isn't that man while Manuel Ugarte has been largely underwhelming since signing from PSG last summer. Kobbie Mainoo was an unused substitute and where his long term future lies under Ruben Amorim remains shrouded in doubt.
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba has been touted as a potential signing although the Seagulls are known to be tough negotiators. Morten Hjulmand of Sporting CP and Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton have also been mentioned as possible alternatives.
But one avenue into recruiting a quality midfielder could present itself while United look to offload Rasmus Hojlund. Despite the Dane's desire to remain at the club, his opportunities look limited at Old Trafford after he was left out of the matchday squad on Sunday.
The 22-year-old has managed just 14 Premier League goals across his two seasons at the club and his days look numbered following the arrival of Sesko.
A return to Serie A looks most likely and former club Atalanta are said to be considering making a loan move for the Danish international.
Ederson celebrates at the end of the match of the Serie A match between Atalanta and Roma.
Atalanta midfielder Ederson has been linked with a move to Manchester United.
Brazilian midfielder Ederson, who has been linked with United in the past, plies his trade with the Italian side and United could do worse than turning their attention towards the 26-year-old this summer.
Ederson has been described as a 'relentless work horse' in the Italian media and would be the perfect foil for Fernandes in United's engine room. He has two years left on his deal in Bergamo and United could potentially use Hojlund as a makeweight in any potential transfer.
With just 12 days until the transfer window slams shut and United needing to offload players as well as signing a midfielder, a creative solution like that cannot be off the negotiating table.