According to confirmed reports, Manchester United have completed the signing of Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund. The Danish centre-forward will become the third signing of the 2023 summer transfer window after Mason Mount and Andre Onana.
Initially, the Serie A club set a massive asking price of £85m for Rasmus Hojlund and were adamant on fixing a deal closer to their price tag. However, United were successful in negotiating and softening the financial blow. The forward had his sights already set on joining his childhood dream club.
The Red Devils desperately needed to sign a striker before the 2023-24 season commenced. It was clearly evident in their game-play throughout the pre-season that signing a striker is a necessity. They had no focal point or a player to poach goals inside the box and the transfer of the Danish forward could help them turn the tide.
According to Sky Sports, Manchester United have successfully completed the signing of Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta. The Dane will join the Red Devils is a deal worth £72m, which includes a £64 million initial fee with £8 million in add-ons.
The 20-year-old has signed a five-year contract till the summer of 2028 with the option to extend for another 12 months. The striker also had an offer from French giants Paris Saint-Germain but his mind was clear on moving to the Theatre of Dreams.
As seen during the last campaign, reinforcement in the attacking department was necessary. Marcus Rashford carried the goal-scoring statistic for the club majorly last term. However, they needed someone who could share that responsibility and provide more in the game. United signed Wout Weghorst on loan for 6 months in January but it did not turn out as many wanted it to.
Welcome to Manchester United – Rasmus Hojlund 🔴✔️ 🇩🇰
Here we go! 📹 – Full video. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/HVHCdjw9LX
— The ElitePundit (@TheElitePundit) July 29, 2023
United have signed a young striker in a long time and manager Erik ten Hag has a reputation of developing youngsters. The 20-year-old can thrive at Old Trafford but will need some time in adapting. However, rival fans will not shy away from their opinions if the forward takes his time to get settled in England.
Why Rasmus Hojlund could be a huge signing for Manchester United?
The Danish striker had his breakthrough season at Atalanta last campaign. He managed to score only 9 goals in the Serie A but Atalanta’s gameplay does not suit their strikers. Moreover, he played his first season in the top-flight and showed glimpses of what a dangerous forward he could be in the future.
Despite being a 20-year-old, he has a similar stature to that of Erling Haaland and good physicality to brush off defenders. Moreover, he also has excellent pace that can be massive for Ten Hag’s side during transitions. He is still a raw talent but under the Dutchman’s tutelage, he could turn into a lethal striker over a period of time.
Many were quick to point out that his best attribute could be his movement in the box. He has ‘Cavani-like’ movements that can catch defenders off guard and he also throws his body to get to the ball first. However, the United boss might have to work on his link-up play and playing with his back to goal.
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A major advantage of signing Rasmus Hojlund is Manchester United have signed a young striker. The Danish striker can be moulded into a player that Ten Hag prefers and serve a long-term threat to the opposition for many years to come. However, United have to handle the forward carefully considering his age and the price tag that he has on him.
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