Who is Rasmus Hojlund? The Danish star linked with Man United

Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for Atalanta and Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund this summer to more fire power in attack.

Erik ten Hag is in the market for a world class striker, with Wout Weghorst having scored just two goals since arriving at Old Trafford on loan in January.

While Anthony Martial's inability to stay injury free could see him struck off United's books at the end of the campaign.

Who is Rasmus Hojlund?

20-year-old Danish striker Hojlund was born in Copenhagen on 4 February 2003, where he learned to ply his trade for local club FC Copenhagen.

Rasmus Hojlund started his career at Horsholm-Usserod Idrætsforenin but also represented Brondby and Holbaek before joining the youth set-up of his hometown club in 2017.

He scored five goals in 32 first-team appearances for Copenhagen and then joined Austrian Bundesliga side Sturm Graz for €1.8m in January 2022.

His eight-month stay in Austria yielded 12 goals and four assists in 21 appearances before Atalanta brought him to Italy in a €17m deal.

The striker has enjoyed an impressive debut season in Italy, registering nine goals and four assists in 33 appearances in all competitions.

At international level, Hojlund worked his way through the youth ranks and made his senior debut for Denmark against Croatia in September 2022.

The 20-year-old marked his full debut by scoring a hat-trick against Finland in March and then followed that up with a brace against Kazakhstan on his next international appearance.

Strengths and style of play:

Hojlund has been compared to fellow Scandinavian Erling Haaland, and he does bear several similarities with the Manchester City goal machine.

Standing at 6ft 3in, Hojlund regularly bullies defenders physically and is able to hold them off when receiving the ball.

But he's not just a target man as he often comes deep to collect the ball and assist his side in their build-up play, passing out wide before turning and charging into the penalty area.

The 20-year-old is also renowned for his athleticism and blistering pace, which makes him a perfect fit for Atalanta's counter-attacking style.

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He has showcased incredible composure in front of goal but also possesses a cannon of a left foot so he has already scored a variety of goals in his fledgling career.

Hojlund likes to stay in central areas and can act as a lone striker or in tandem with a strike partner, as he often does with Ademola Lookman in Atalanta's 3-5-2 formation.

What's been said about Rasmus Hojlund?

Hojlund's former manager at Sturm Graz, Christian Ilzer, has drawn comparisons between the Dane and Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland.

Speaking to Spanish news outlet Tuttomercatoweb, Izner said: "There can be a comparison between Rasmus and Erling Haaland. In some characteristics, they are similar.

"Both are very fast, they also share determination and the desire to always score. Both Hojlund and Haaland are two very positive youngsters and have great confidence in their abilities.

"I'm really happy that Hojlund managed to adapt so quickly to Serie A and became an important player for Atalanta.

Why might Man Utd be interested?

Ten Hag is in the market for a new number nine this summer and Hojlund would seem to fit the bill nicely.

The forward is not only expected to cost far less than the likes of Kane, but also has time on his side as the Red Devils boss looks to build for the future.

Current number nine, Martial, has been ruled out of a total of 27 matches through injury, making him an incredibly unreliable option for Ten Hag.

While Weghorst has failed to score a single Premier League goal, with the Dutchman due to return to Burnley following United's FA Cup final against Manchester City.

What other clubs are interested in Hojlund?

Manchester United presently appear to be the club leading the way for Hojlund, but any deal is not likely to come about quickly. There are two reasons for this.

Firstly, Hojlund does not have an agent. it is likely that he will want to get one in place before making any big decision about his future.

Secondly, there are many clubs following his progress, with Arsenal and Newcastle also linked from the Premier League.

Real Madrid have been associated with a move for Hojlund as a replacement for Karim Benzema as their No.9, but there is increasing interest from the Premier League.

In Serie A, AC Milan, Juventus, Inter and Napoli have all been credited with an interest in Hojlund, with his club career now progressing at an astronomical rate.

Hojlund has said he favours a move to Man Utd but will not rule out other big teams.

Meanwhile, it is worth bearing in mind that there is no guarantee that he will leave in the summer of 2023.

What's the latest news on his move?

According to the Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag has held "multiple video calls" with Hojlund over the possibility of a summer transfer.

He is also allegedly signed to the same agency as the United boss, ESG. While the agency's co-founder Kees Voss is a regular at Old Trafford.

A separate report from 90min claimed Atalanta could demand over €65 (£51m) to part ways with their prized asset.

Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund himself admitted he was a Manchester United fan in January.