Former Manchester United academy player and MUTV personality Ben Thornley has expressed his view on the club potentially signing Denmark sensation Rasmus Hojlund.
The Atalanta striker is on the verge of a transfer to Manchester United after missing Atalanta’s pre-season friendly match against Bournemouth.
Hojlund, 20, travelled to Bournemouth but spent the match sat on the bench. It makes sense not to risk any injury that would only complicate the transfer.
The opportunity to join United as a starter – at such a young age – doesn’t come around very often. Erik ten Hag knows he can’t trust Anthony Martial for another season and nobody wants another Wout Weghorst episode.
Speaking to FootballTransfers, Class of 92’ member Thornley gave his verdict on the potential deal: “There is a belief from the people that have watched Hojlund regularly that he will become a top striker and it seems that the club have to decide whether paying a lot of money for someone who is, as yet, unproven at the top level is a small gamble or not.
“Your No.9 is a key position on the field along with your goalkeeper. Someone who, when things are not going well, can produce a moment of brilliance to win you a game when you may not deserve it.
“They are few and far between, which is why they cost the most. Either way, if Hojlund is the man they want, we need to start the season with a central striker, and if he is as good as people say then he will score goals in this team with the creativity we have behind and either side of him.”
Ten Hag will now that he is not signing an elite forward in Hojlund, but the youngster has the potential to become that with the right guidance. There will be a lot of pressures that come with joining a club like United. The Serie A wasn’t too difficult for him at such a young age.
Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
