Man Utd rejected one of Europe's most clinical strikers to sign Rasmus Hojlund in a decision that will haunt Erik ten Hag

Manchester United reportedly opted to sign Rasmus Hojlund over one of Europe’s most prolific strikers.

It has been another dreadful start for United under Erik ten Hag as they currently sit 14th in the Premier League table.

The Red Devils are also five games without a win after their 7-0 victory over League One side Barnsley last month in the Carabao Cup.

With the international break now underway, a new report has claimed that United decided to sign Danish striker Hojlund instead of Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins, who has been one of Europe’s most prolific scorers.

As reported by ESPN, Watkins was under serious consideration but it was then decided that Hojlund, who was seven years younger at the time, represented ‘better value for money and was a long-term prospect’.

Since moving to Old Trafford, Hojlund has managed 17 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions.

In the Premier League alone last season, Watkins netted 19 goals as Villa secured Champions League football under Unai Emery.

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Towards the end of the 23/24 campaign, Ten Hag urged fans to give Hojlund time.

He said: “He has had three injuries this season but still, as you say, scored 14 goals in this season. I think that is a very good record for a young player.

“When we decided to go for him, we talked about earlier that we buy a player for this season but also for the future.”

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Ten Hag added: “He has to develop. He has to progress. He needs time. Sometimes, it is going up and down and he also, before winter, he struggled to get his first goal in the Premier League but there you see he is a very strong character.

“Sometimes, you have downs but I am sure he will fight his way and he is very eager for every match, so it can be there, also in every match to return his form. I am quite confident he is close.”