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Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Premier League, Atalanta, Serie A
Joe Adams
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Premier League, Atalanta, Serie A
Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund this summer.
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.
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And assuming they can't manage to sign top transfer target Harry Kane, the Red Devils boss is reportedly keen on adding Hojlund to his ranks.
But who is the 6ft 3in striker, dubbed 'the next Erling Haaland', and why does Ten Hag like him so much? Let's take a look.
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.
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In January 2022, he was poached by Austrian Bundesliga side Sturm Graz for a reported fee of €1.8 million, before joining Atalanta in the Serie A just seven months later.
In September 2022, Hojlund announced himself on the international stage, playing his first matches for Denmark against Croatia and France during the UEFA Nations League.
Hojlund has registered 15 goals and seven assists in 41 appearances across all competitions this season.
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However, well over half of those appearances have come off the substitute's bench.
But it is for Denmark where he has really shone, plundering five goals in two matches, averaging a rating of 9.16 for his country, according to WhoScored.
Hojlund's former manager at Sturm Graz, Christian Ilzer, has drawn comparisons between the Dane and Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland.
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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.
While he has also been likened to former Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic by HITC.
Ten Hag is in the market for a new number nine this summer and Hojlund would seem to fit the bill nicely.
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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.
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, Hojlund himself admitted he was a Manchester United fan in January.