Rasmus Hojlund's former sporting director makes 'surprising' admission over his Man Utd transfer

The former sporting director of Rasmus Hojlund has admitted that the Dane's two younger brothers were more 'obvious talents' than him growing up - and that his transfer fee to Manchester United was 'surprising'.

Hojlund joined United this summer from Atalanta for a fee totalling £72 million, but has yet to make his first start under Erik ten Hag due to a back injury.

He did make his debut as a substitute during their 3-1 defeat to Arsenal, showing some nice touches and movement in a brief cameo at the Emirates Stadium.

Big things are expected of the 20-year-old, who netted nine goals in his first and only Serie A season last term, with Ten Hag identifying him as a player that can lead the line for United for years to come, as well as furthering his development.

But his former coach has described how that wasn't always the case in his younger years.

Rasmus Hojlund coach makes 'surprising' admission

Christian Mouroux, who was sporting director at an amateur club Hojlund played at until he was 12, explained to the Daily Mail: "His two younger brothers [FC Copenhagen duo Emil and Oscar] were more obvious talents. Rasmus wasn't a standout - there were other players his age just as good. His talents you see today came much later.

"I won't lie, I'm very surprised by how much Rasmus went for.

"He was playing for the age group above [at youth level] because he was physically so big, so he was more developed in that way. But there was no single moment when we thought he was going to be a star.

"Signing for a team who have bought him to perform now, it's surprising. Knowing him, it's a type of pressure he will thrive under."

Mouroux continued to elaborate on how Hojlund's family, particularly father Anders and his mother, played a key part in his development as a young player.

But while his ascent to the top has been rapid, the Dane shows no signs of slowing down.

He netted five goals for Denmark during the international break in March, and was immediately brought back into the squad for the current set of internationals despite recently returning from injury.