Exploring Manchester United: Assessing Compatibility between Immediate Needs and Rasmus Hojlund

Rasmus Hojlund: Are Man Utd’s immediate needs compatible with those of ‘next Haaland’?

Rasmus Hojlund, a young Danish striker, has emerged as a £50 million target for Manchester United. While Hojlund is raw, inexperienced, and has not yet scored double figures in any senior competition, there is a growing belief that he has the potential to become a great striker. However, the question remains whether Hojlund’s immediate needs match those of Manchester United.

Immediate Need for a Goalscorer

At the top of Manchester United’s shopping list this summer must have been a goalscorer. The team struggled throughout the previous season with a lack of clinical finishing, relying heavily on the inconsistent performances of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wout Weghorst. While the addition of a proven goalscorer like Harry Kane would be ideal, constraints around dealing with Tottenham’s chairman, Daniel Levy, have forced United to consider alternatives.

Hojlund’s Potential

Rasmus Hojlund, currently playing for Atalanta in Serie A, has caught the attention of many scouts and experts. At just 20 years old, Hojlund possesses similar qualities to Erling Haaland – both Scandinavian, blonde, left-footed, imposing presences, and lightning-fast. They prefer to play as traditional center-forwards, focusing on poaching goals in the penalty area rather than drifting wide to create space.

Furthermore, Hojlund’s work rate and defensive contributions make him an attractive package. While others like Ronaldo and Anthony Martial might not excel in pressing from the front, Hojlund shows no fear in pulling his weight defensively. However, it is essential to recognize that Hojlund is still developing and has yet to reach his full potential.

The Risk of Relying Solely on Hojlund

While Hojlund has immense potential, it would be a gamble for Manchester United to rely solely on him to lead the line and score 20 goals a season. The team’s financial restrictions, whether self-imposed or due to financial fair play regulations, likely mean they can only afford to sign one striker this summer.

It would be ideal for Manchester United to secure Hojlund’s signature and also bring in a more experienced, battle-hardened number nine to provide cover and competition. Even if they were able to sign Kane or Victor Osimhen, having additional options would ensure sufficient depth in the attacking ranks.

Following City’s Lead

Pep Guardiola faced a similar situation last year when he needed to fill a hole in Manchester City’s squad. He signed Haaland and also brought in Julian Alvarez, recognizing the need for multiple options in the attacking department. Manchester United, scarred from missing out on Haaland previously, should follow City’s lead and consider doubling up on striking signings this summer.

Conclusion

Rasmus Hojlund is undoubtedly a promising young striker, and there are valid reasons why Manchester United sees him as a potential star for the future. However, it is crucial to temper expectations and consider the steepness and speed of his ascent thus far. The gap between what he has achieved at this point in his career and what would be expected of him immediately at Manchester United is significant.

In order to maximize Hojlund’s chances of success, it would be wise for Manchester United to bring in additional striking reinforcements. By doing so, they can mitigate the risk of relying too heavily on a young and inexperienced player and ensure they have the necessary depth to compete on multiple fronts.