The Game-Changer: Unveiling the Sensational £72m Atalanta Striker Transforming Manchester United!

Tasking a relatively inexperienced 20-year-old with the primary responsibility of scoring goals for Manchester United carries evident risks. Christian Eriksen, in confidential discussions with Rasmus Hojlund, acknowledged that the forward now steps into an entirely different realm of scrutiny, anticipation, stress, and commotion as the club's latest acquisition.

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

Not only is he the central figure for a team - one of the largest in the world - with aspirations of reclaiming the title, Hojlund is also a costly acquisition. United agreed to bring him in from Atalanta for a staggering initial fee of £64m, plus an additional £8m in bonuses.

However, the club is confident that Erik ten Hag's coaching expertise and his ability to envision the bigger picture can make the transfer fee seem like a bargain in the future. In his interviews with We News, the manager has mentioned his "United project," and Hojlund perfectly fits the criteria of addressing the team's immediate requirements while also contributing to its long-term goals.

He is not just another late-career forward that United has signed in the past, but a deliberate choice to bring about a change.

Although it is undeniable that signing Harry Kane would have immediately improved the club's strength, stability, and competitiveness, it was futile to attempt negotiations with Daniel Levy.

Despite his youth, Hojlund's manager instantly recognized his unwavering confidence and profound personality, distinguishing him as someone destined for success. Similar to Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, and Andre Onana, Ten Hag firmly believes that his newest addition possesses the exceptional qualities 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 take chances in unpredictable circumstances and instead, chose an attacker whom Ten Hag has full confidence in. Despite being young, Hojlund impresses the manager with his unwavering determination and promising character.

Ten Hag believes that, much like Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, and Andre Onana, his recent signing possesses the necessary charisma to thrive at United. Additionally, Hojlund excels in making effective runs, adeptly pressing opponents, displaying positional awareness, and imposing himself physically.

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

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With his impressive speed, ability to create space, and dominance in the air, Hojlund's presence will provide Manchester United with a unique advantage. The club firmly believes that his experience of playing and adapting to three different leagues - Denmark, Austria, and Italy - at such a young age reflects his eagerness to conquer new environments.

United is willing to be patient with their striker as he develops. However, Eriksen has cautioned him that the rest of the world may not be as understanding. Nevertheless, Hojlund's self-confidence is a crucial aspect of why Ten Hag signed him.

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's relatively unnoticed presence until the recent transfer rumors. In response, he stated, "It seems like we don't receive sufficient media coverage in Denmark. Consequently, people outside of Denmark may not be familiar with him enough."

"He is a pleasant individual and an excellent player. As I mentioned earlier, he has evolved into a true striker, a position he has performed admirably 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's impressive performance in Serie A has caught the attention of Manchester United, who are banking on the 20-year-old talent to become the next superstar striker in European football. However, the question remains: how can they extract the maximum potential from the young Danish player?

To unleash Hojlund's capabilities, Sturm Graz employed tactics that required him to make penetrating runs behind the opposing defense. "This strategy demands a multitude of sprints and rapid decision-making from our strikers, and I believe these are key strengths of Rasmus," stated head coach Christian Ilzer in an interview with We.

The compatibility between our philosophy, style, and Ras's skillset was crucial for him to thrive in a positive environment. Ras's talents were a valuable addition to our team. His exceptional speed, overall physicality, and determination to tirelessly contribute in defensive play were truly admirable.

Erik ten Hag is looking forward to having a forward who can press with speed, but it will be necessary to exercise patience. Hojlund shows promise, but Manchester United needs to witness significant improvement in order to justify the investment.

He demonstrated this improvement during his tenure at Sturm Graz and further with Atalanta. This upcoming stage is of utmost importance.

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