Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund has already made it clear he wants to join Manchester United this summer as the club ramp up their pursuit of the Denmark international.
United are intent on signing a new central striker this summer following the expiration of Wout Weghorst's loan arrangement – leaving Anthony Martial as the only recognised senior player in that position, with the Frenchman’s future at Old Trafford unclear.
It is understood that boss Erik ten Hag prefers a move for Hojlund over Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani. United transfer chiefs believed Harry Kane was unattainable this summer while the price tag of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen was prohibitive.
The Denmark international has impressed in his debut season in Bergamo having joined from Sturm Graz last summer. He bagged nine goals in Serie A while also impressing for his nation in the European Championships qualifiers.
His goal threat and attacking energy ensured that he earned plenty of admirers this season with Real Madrid said to be among the clubs monitoring his situation. However, United had informed Atalanta of their early and are believed to be frontrunners for any move.
Hojlund has already spoken of his desire to join the Red Devils, claiming that he has been a fan of the club since childhood. The quotes from earlier this year are indicative of a player who is not short on confidence and one who could thrive at Old Trafford.
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Speaking back in January, Hojlund revealed his preference for joining United: “Now that you ask, I will not hide the fact that I am a huge Manchester United fan. So personally, it would be one of the biggest things for me, but of course, that doesn’t mean that I would turn down other big clubs if the offers come at some point.”
His international teammate Philip Billing, a midfielder for Bournemouth, took the most recent international break to speak of Hojlund’s future and directly mention United’s interest in the player. Billing believed his teammate would be ideal in Ten Hag’s side attack.
“He is a huge talent who can go really far if he continues to keep his feet on the ground,” Billing said during the March international break, as quoted by Tribal Football. “Manchester United… The way he plays, I can see him there in the summer.
“They also apparently lack a striker. He has enormous potential and I feel he is a United player.”
