Transfer Centre

Rasmus Hojlund addresses Manchester United transfer speculation

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 12 June 2023

Atalanta BC forward Ramus Hojlund reacts to claims that Manchester United are keen to sign him during this summer's transfer window.

Atalanta BC forward Rasmus Hojlund has said that he is flattered to be linked with Manchester United.

The 20-year-old was in strong form for his Italian club during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 34 occasions in all competitions, contributing 10 goals and four assists in the process.

Hojlund only arrived at Atalanta from Sturm Graz last year, and he has another four years left to run on his contract, but Man United continue to be heavily linked with his services.

A recent report claimed that Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag had held multiple video calls with the Denmark international to discuss a possible move to Old Trafford this summer.

Hojlund has denied any direct talks with Ten Hag, but the youngster has suggested that he would find it difficult to turn down the chance to move to the 20-time English champions.

Denmark's Rasmus Hojlund celebrates scoring their second goal on March 23, 2023 © Reuters

"There has been no video call," Hojlund told Berlingske. "I can't say anything about that. It's a huge club, so I must have done something right if it says they want me.

"My goal is to reach the top shelf, and you can say that Manchester United is. So it will be huge."

As well as enjoying a strong first season in Italian football, Hojlund has managed five goals in four appearances for Denmark, and he is in their squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualification fixtures against Northern Ireland and Slovenia, off the back of his hat-trick against Finland and brace against Kazakhstan.

Atalanta are said to be desperate to keep hold of the forward this summer, but there have been suggestions that a bid in the region of £40m would be seriously considered by the Serie A side.

Atalanta BC forward Rasmus Hojlund celebrates in February 2023 © Reuters

A move for Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane is looking unlikely at this stage, with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said to be unwilling to let the England captain move to a domestic rival.

Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen could allegedly be priced out of a summer switch away from Napoli, but Man United are said to be planning to move for two new forwards rather than one.

Wout Weghorst's loan deal from Burnley has expired, and the Netherlands international is not expected to move to Old Trafford on a permanent basis, while Anthony Martial is being heavily linked with an exit.

Cristiano Ronaldo's departure towards the end of last year had already left Man United short, and Hojlund could potentially arrive alongside a more experienced option this summer.

The Atalanta forward started his professional career with Copenhagen before making the move to Sturm Graz in January 2022, scoring 12 times and registering four assists in 21 appearances for the club.