Ramus Hojlund is set to become Manchester United’s third signing of the summer.
The 20-year-old centre-forward is immediately expected to lead the line for United, with the 2023/24 Premier League season just around the corner.
Only time will tell if Hojlund can shoulder the burden go being United’s main man up front. He managed 9 goals in Serie A last season and will be aiming for a higher return in his first campaign as a Premier League player.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand has explained that Hojlund’s skillset will be suited to playing in England.
That said, he suggested there could be a setting-in period similar to that of Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez.
“The first thing you’ve got to look at is there’s huge potential,” said Ferdinand, as quoted by The Mirror. “Anyone who has seen him play will see there are attributes there that you would like. He’s suited to the Premier League. I think the price tag is out of his hands.
“I look at it like Darwin Nunez from Liverpool. Last season was his adjusting season. He’s a young striker coming to the league, everything about him fits the Premier League perfectly, but it didn’t go as well as he would have liked.”
Nunez, who is four years older than Hojlund, signed for Liverpool last season and faced lots of criticism for being wasteful in front of goal. The former Benfica forward scored nine goals in his first season at Anfield.
Ferdinand has backed Nunez to turn things around this season, and he thinks Hojlund could take a similar path at Old Trafford.
“I think this season, we’ll see a different player for Liverpool… I wouldn’t be surprised if that (a slow debut campaign) happens with Hojlund, although I’d like him to have a better season than Nunez obviously. He may well do but it will take time to adjust.
“The quality is there but you’re always going to be paying big bucks – it’s Manchester United and English tax. That’s what happens.”
Hopefully, Hojlund is better than Nunez because some of the Uruguayan’s finished was questionable last term.
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