Is There Any Way Back For Rasmus Hojlund At Manchester United?

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 30: Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League Summer Series match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Soldier Field on July 30, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

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It wasn’t so long ago that Rasmus Hojlund was viewed as Manchester United’s number nine of the future. The Old Trafford outfit spent £72m to sign the young Dane from Atalanta in the belief he would develop into one of the best players in his position anywhere in European soccer. Hojlund, however, lost his way.

Manchester United is in the market for a new striker this summer. Recent reports claim the club’s search has narrowed to two options with Benjamin Sesko the favoured target ahead of Ollie Watkins. Either player would strengthen Ruben Amorim’s squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign when United will be expected to improve on last term’s dismal 15th place finish.

Hojlund, however, is still at Old Trafford and is playing an active role in pre-season. The 22-year-old has shown encouraging signs, catching the eye in a friendly win over West Ham in which Hojlund gave the opposition defence all sorts of problems with his speed and willingness to get in behind and into open space.

It was the sort of performance Hojlund produced during his time at Atalanta in Serie A. Back then, the Danish forward’s raw attributes were there for everyone to see. It was just a question of whether or not he could put it all together to become an accomplished centre forward at Premier League level. That’s what Manchester United was counting on.

There has been transfer speculation linking Hojlund with a return to Serie A this summer with AC Milan, Inter Milan and Napoli all believed to be admirers. However, the Dane has so far vowed to fight for his place even if Manchester United succeeds in landing a new player in his position before the end of the summer window.

“The most important [thing] for me is to keep working hard and stay focused and then we’ll see what happens,” said Hojlund when asked about his future plans at Manchester United and where he sees his place in Amorim’s team amid continued discussion around potential transfer targets. “My plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot.”

While Hojlund might have fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford, there’s a chance some competition for his spot in the team might do him good. Taking him out of the spotlight could give him greater leeway to work on certain elements of his game and develop in the way Manchester United originally planned. The signing of a new striker might not mean the end for Hojlund at the club.