Unique and a rough diamond

Jun 17, 2023

Erik ten Hag rhapsodized about Rasmus Hojlund as Man United progressed in their move for the Denmark striker.

NEW - Sign up for exclusive insights and views in our brand new newsletter from chief Manchester United writer Samuel Luckhurst

We have more newsletters

NEW - Sign up for exclusive insights and views in our brand new newsletter from chief Manchester United writer Samuel Luckhurst

We have more newsletters

Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United have signed a potential world-class striker in Rasmus Hojlund

United announced the arrival of Hojlund, 20, for £64million rising to £72m from Atalanta this afternoon, exactly a week on from agreeing the deal with the Italian club.

Hojlund became United's principal centre forward target back in May and Ten Hag is understood to regard the Denmark international as such a unique frontman he does not compare him with any other recognised centre forward.

The United manager is also understood to have agreed with the club's stance that there were disadvantages to pursuing Harry Kane.

Also read: United vs Lens team news and live updates

United were discouraged from bidding for Kane, 30, due to the prospect of dealing with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy and Kane's salary demands.

Hojlund was identified as a gettable target back in March and Ten Hag is convinced he will develop into an elite goalscorer partly through his character and dedication.

Ten Hag has placed an emphasis on character as much as quality with United's recruitment strategy and the United manager was struck by Hojlund's personality during their conversations.

Hojlund's physicality and speed also won over Ten Hag, who expects the Dane to make runs in behind and has raved about his pressing to confidants. Hojlund stands at 6ft 3in and that directness was another attraction as he prepares to transition to a more physical league.

Although Hojlund's goalscoring record for Atalanta was a modest nine goals in 32 Serie A appearances, Ten Hag is adamant United have a proven goalscorer and has cited Hojlund's record of six goals in as many games for the Denmark national side.

Ten Hag feels Hojlund is aligned with United's evolution as a young team and their playing style. The Dutchman is already aware of Hojlund's deficiencies to work on and that he will require time to reach an optimum level in the Premier League.

Hojlund marks a shift in United's recruitment strategy for a striker. The club signed 30-somethings Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as loanee Odion Ighalo, in the last seven years. Romelu Lukaku was 24 when he joined for £75m in 2017.

United have invested more than four times the £15m fee Hojlund fetched when he moved from Sturm Graz to Atalanta 12 months ago. Hojlund is the final piece of a starting XI that has been rebuilt across the last two summer transfer windows with Ten Hag in charge.

Hojlund may come under extra pressure if Kane leaves Tottenham for Bayern Munich before the transfer window closes. Kane was Ten Hag's most desirable striker target but United turned their attention to Hojlund once they deemed Kane to be unattainable back in May.

Despite the possibility of that added scrutiny, Ten Hag is certain Hojlund has the mental resilience to handle the "stress" of leading the line for United.

Senior figures at United concede Hojlund is a "rough diamond" but have the utmost faith in Ten Hag's coaching prowess to mould him into a prolific striker.