Every football team will have made one or two additions during the season that they believe may not have lived up to their early expectations.

But in Manchester United’s case, this has occurred more than once in recent memory. It is therefore surprising when a signing by Erik ten Hag turns out to be beneficial.

For example, the Red Devils have spent a lot of money on players like £86 million man Antony, who hasn’t had much of an impact on the team despite scoring just once this season across all competitions.

Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho
But one acquisition acquired during the summer transfer window of 2023–2024 has defied expectations and shown why Ten Hag’s team needs him.

Rasmus Hojlund’s cost to Manchester United

It comes as no surprise that player is Rasmus Hojlund. He has witnessed a significant increase in his stock since moving to Old Trafford.

Following his move from Atalanta, the then-20-year-old had a lot of burden on his shoulders after joining the club for a reported sum of £72 million.

The striker only participated in one season in any of Europe’s top five leagues before joining the Red Devils, and that was in Bergamo. He had previously played for Sturm Graz and FC Copenhagen.

The Danish international scored 10 goals in 34 appearances during a pretty productive season in Italy. Even so, the striker’s Premier League career got off to a bit of a sluggish start; it wasn’t until Boxing Day against Aston Villa that he scored his first goal in the top division.

The 21-year-old has scored six goals for United since overcoming that first-goal setback, including two in his most recent match against Luton Town. He has also scored in six straight top-flight matches.

Manchester United’s Willy Kambwala
Even if the in-form striker has now sustained a “small injury” that will keep him out of action for two to three weeks, Ten Hag made a very wise decision by purchasing him as a result of his recent strong play.

As previously noted, he is currently worth more than star player Bruno Fernandes thanks to his recent and dramatic improvement in form, which occurred before the recent setback with an injury.

Rasmus Hojlund’s current market valuation

Fan favourite Fernandes is only worth €80m (£68m), while the striker is now valued at €100m (£85m) according to the CIES Football Observatory.

Most people might be surprised by this because Fernandes, who has started 25 league games this season, is consistently one of United’s finest players and is among the first names on the team sheet.

Premier League player Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United
Hojlund also has a lot of room to grow because he is still a relatively young player, and it seems like Manchester United has discovered their striker for many years to come.

Many have praised him for his recent exploits; Harry Maguire, a teammate, called the young player “exceptional.”

The former Leicester City defender stated, “We’ve seen the talent he has, and now it is really clicking for him in front of goal.” “Due to his extraordinary talent, we always knew that would happen.

“He will play a significant role for this team. He will undoubtedly continue to score goals, and there will be plenty more.”