Update on Rasmus Hojlund, the Atalanta sensation that Manchester United is interested in signing…

What has changed since Hojlund joined Manchester United?

According to Terry Flewers of The Football Terrace, the Red Devils are reportedly in “talks” to sign the Denmark international this summer, and it’s possible that both the 20-year-old and Harry Kane will be moving to Old Trafford.

“Manchester United have started concrete talks with Rasmus Hjlund’s team and are very keen to sign him this summer, thus the deal is on & active,” the transfer insider wrote on Twitter.

Harry Kane remains the top target, and United might sign both.

This comes after an earlier allegation from the Manchester Evening News that the former Sturm Graz striker, who is estimated to be worth approximately £60 million by his present employers, has already had video calls with Erik ten Hag about a prospective move to England.

Would Man United make a wise acquisition in Hojlund?

Hojlund, who scored ten goals and gave four assists in 34 games for the Bergamo-based team in all competitions, has established himself on the international stage despite not being as well-known as the aforementioned Kane.

The talented youngster, who has scored five goals in just four senior-level appearances for his nation and has been dubbed “scary quick” by journalist Sacha Pisani, has also drawn attention for resembling Erling Haaland of Manchester City. Hojlund himself said:

“Erling Haaland and I share similarities, I think. He has a strong eye for goal, is tall, left-footed, quick, and a polished finisher. Furthermore, he has an absolutely bizarre attitude.

Solskjaer-Man-United-Hojlund-Premier-League-transfer
When it comes to United, the hope is that the former Copenhagen star can follow in the footsteps of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, another Scandinavian striker who arrived in Manchester in 1996 as something of an unknown quantity.

While many will recall Solskjaer’s erratic tenure as manager of the team, which came to an end in November 2021 after the former Cardiff City manager was relieved of his duties, the ‘Baby-faced assassin’ continues to be a cult hero due to his playing accomplishments, having memorably scored that decisive goal in the Champions League final in 1999.

After scoring 126 goals in 366 appearances over the course of the following 11 years while playing for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, the ruthless marksman, who had been signed from Norwegian club Molde for barely £1.5m at the age of 23, finally proved to be a great steal.

Solskjaer was extremely lethal in front of goal in his prime as evidenced by his goal record, and like Hojlund, who talent scout Jacek Kulig has dubbed “clinical,” it is hoped that the Atalanta player may have a similar impact if he teams up with Ten Hag this summer.

Another similarity between the two is that Hojlund might be a less expensive, younger alternative to the top option, Kane, who is estimated to be worth over £100 million. Both Solskjaer and Hojlund were reportedly signed by Ferguson that same summer after the famous Scotsman apparently missed out on top target Alan Shearer.

Of course, as Flewers noted, the Dane and Tottenham Hotspur talisman might still be acquired together, but in either case, the 6’1″ speedster who was bought could very well become United’s replacement for Solskjaer.