Manchester United are set to wrap up the signing of Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, with the striker becoming the first signed on a permanent basis by Erik ten Hag.
Erik ten Hag has been patient in his wait for a striker. Rasmus Hojlund will become the club’s new centre-forward, with the club hoping to have unearthed a gem.
United have lacked a long-term striker fix for too long. But in the meantime, we have had the joys of watching Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, so it hasn’t been all bad.
Hojlund represents a welcome shift in strategy. And Manchester United are not the only one hoping he is the ‘chosen one’.
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Denmark striker search
Rasmus Hojlund has made a stunning start to his Denmark international career, with six goals in six games. He is currently the joint leading scorer in Euro 2024 qualifying.
The forward is on his way to becoming the much-needed striker Denmark have been waiting for.
Jon Dahl Tomasson was the last reliable striker the country had. The former Newcastle player and current Blackburn manager is Denmark’s joint record goalscorer, with 52 to his name.
Tomasson retired in 2010, and since his retirement, their most regular source of goals has been current Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen, who has 39 international goals to his name.
When it comes to strikers, Denmark have been waiting more than a decade for a top prospect to emerge.
Kasper Dolberg was a big hope when he emerged at Ajax. But since making his debut for Denmark in 2016, he has only 11 international goals.
Martin Braithwaite has led the line too in recent years, but has only 10 international goals to his name.
Rasmus Hojlund has six already since making his international debut in 2022. He is now becoming his nation’s most expensive ever player with his move to Manchester United, and hopes to one day set records at international level too, potentially one day exceeding Tomasson’s tally.
Time is on Hojlund’s side, at 20. There is a strong chance he is the player his nation have been waiting for.
Eriksen has Hojlund backing
Rasmus Hojlund has the backing of Manchester United and Denmark star Christian Eriksen.
The midfielder was quoted by The Mail at the weekend: “He’s a nice guy, he’s a good player. Like I said, he’s developed, turning into just a No 9, which he’s played for the national team.
“I have to be honest I haven’t seen that many games for Atalanta, but I know how they play and he fitted in well there so, yeah, he’s a good player.”
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