The Game-Changer: How Rasmus Hojlund Could Revolutionize Man United's Attack

Tasking a relatively inexperienced 20-year-old with the chief responsibility for Manchester United's goalscoring carries a clear inherent risk. After private discussions with Rasmus Hojlund, Christian Eriksen acknowledged that the young forward will now step into an entirely different realm featuring increased attention, expectations, pressure, and distractions as the club's latest signing.

No previous football experience could have prepared him for this stage.

He not only carries the weight of being the central figure for one of the largest teams in the world, who are bent on reclaiming their title challenger status, but Hojlund is also a costly acquisition. United has agreed to pay an initial fee of £64m, with an additional £8m in add-ons, to secure his services from Atalanta.

The club is confident that Erik ten Hag's coaching abilities and his strategic approach will make the fee seem like a great deal in the future. In his interviews with We News, the manager has mentioned his "United project," and Hojlund perfectly aligns with the idea of addressing immediate needs while also focusing on long-term growth.

He represents a departure from the trend of signing late-career forwards that United has typically followed in recent history. Although it is undeniable that Harry Kane would have provided an immediate boost to the club, negotiations with Daniel Levy proved futile.

Despite his youth, Hojlund exudes a sense of confidence and substance that distinguishes him as someone destined for success. Just like Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, and Andre Onana, Ten Hag believes that his newest addition possesses the type of strong personality necessary to thrive at United.

Melissa Reddy, We News senior reporter

The package - including personal terms - to land the Tottenham striker was also prohibitive.

United opted not to waste any time in uncertain circumstances and instead chose to go for an attacker that Ten Hag has complete confidence in. Despite being young, Hojlund has a noticeable assurance and a profound personality that sets him apart as someone who will succeed.

Ten Hag believes that Hojlund, similar to Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, and Andre Onana, possesses the necessary strong personality to succeed at United. Additionally, Hojlund is skilled at making runs in behind, pressing effectively, displaying positional awareness, and exhibiting physical dominance.

He is quite direct and aggressive in the final third, which the club have lacked.

United will benefit from his quickness, intelligent ability to find open areas, and aerial dominance, which bring a fresh dimension to the team. The club is confident in Hojlund's adaptability and eagerness to excel in diverse environments, given his experience in various leagues at a tender age, encompassing Denmark, Austria, and Italy.

United is willing to exercise patience with their young striker, although Eriksen cautioned him that the rest of the world may not be as understanding. However, Hojlund's confidence in himself is a crucial element that made him an ideal signing for Ten Hag.

Eriksen: Hojlund is a very good player

Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen speaking after their friendly with Borussia Dortmund about Rasmus Hojlund:

"What's he like? He's a strong No 9," Eriksen said.

"He's developed a lot in the last year from when I first saw him with the national team [to] a year's time, so, yes, he's a very good player."

Eriksen was asked about Hojlund, who had gone unnoticed by many until recent transfer discussions. He replied, "I think we don't receive sufficient media coverage in Denmark. That's why people outside Denmark aren't familiar with him.

"He's a pleasant person and a skilled player. As I mentioned, he has shown significant development, mainly as a striker, which is the position he has 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."

Analysis: Hojlund has huge potential

We' football feature writer Adam Bate:

Rasmus Hojlund has ignited excitement following a promising season in Serie A, leading Manchester United to place their bets on this 20-year-old prodigy as the future superstar striker in European football. However, the question remains: how can they fully maximize the potential of this young Danish talent?

Under Sturm Graz's tactical approach, Hojlund was frequently required to execute incisive runs behind the opposing defense. Christian Ilzer, the head coach, shared that this strategy necessitated an abundance of sprinting and rapid decision-making from their strikers, both of which are distinct strengths possessed by Rasmus.

"It was crucial that our philosophy and style seamlessly aligned with his unique skillset, ensuring that he joined a favorable environment. Ras was a highly valuable asset to our team, showcasing his exceptional abilities. His remarkable speed, overall physique, and unwavering dedication to defensive work truly stood out."

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While Erik ten Hag eagerly embraces a pacey attacking player, it is crucial to exercise patience. Although Hojlund shows potential, Manchester United will need to witness substantial growth in order to justify this investment.

He made that progress at Sturm Graz and again with Atalanta. This next step is the key one.