Man United star ’emerges as surprise target for former club’ after being dropped from squad for opening day defeat by Arsenal
Rasmus Hojlund has been linked with a return to his former club Atalanta, according to reports.
The 22-year-old made a name for himself at the Italian side, scoring 10 goals in 34 appearances, before making the switch to Manchester United in a £72million deal two summers ago.
But Hojlund has struggled to adjust to life in the Premier League, often looking devoid of confidence and starved of service while leading the United frontline for Erik ten Hag and later Ruben Amorim.
He netted a mere four league goals last season and endured a barren run of 21 games as the Red Devils limped to a 15th placed finish.
Such struggles have left the Dane surplus to requirements under Amorim, who is believed to have told Hojlund his opportunities will be limited following the arrival of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
And the no-nonsense United manager made his feelings on the striker more than clear over the weekend as Hojlund was made to watch on from the stands as his side lost 1-0 to Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Rasmus Hojlund looks likely to leave Man United this summer after a difficult two years at Old Trafford
The Dane was made to watch on from the stands on Sunday as the Red Devils lost 1-0 to Arsenal
Hojlund’s former club Atalanta are thought to be one of the clubs vying for his signature before the end of the window
Hojlund does nevertheless have a host of clubs interested in him, with Atalanta the latest side keeping tabs on the situation. The Italian side ‘have given consideration to bringing him back’, according to The Athletic.
RB Leipzig, Fulham, Newcastle United and Juventus are also reportedly looking at the left-footed attacker, while AC Milan’s sporting director Igli Tare publicly confirmed their interest in Hojlund on Monday.
He told Mediaset: ‘Hojlund is a good option for us.
‘We are thinking about him but in the transfer market you never know what could happen.’
Daily Mail Sport last week revealed Milan offered a £4.5million loan fee with an option to buy for £39m.
However, Hojlund has been digging in his heels saying he wants to stay and fight for his place – but it remains to be seen whether his stance will change after being left out of the squad against Arsenal.
Amorim has issued a warning to Hojlund, insisting the striker will stay on the sidelines if he doesn’t ‘do what’s required’.
‘At United, if you don’t do what’s required, a team-mate will take your place,’ Amorim said. ‘I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but I’ve shown that if you deserve it, you play.
‘He has to fight for his place. We will see what’s going to happen in the market. Rasmus has the same characteristics as Ben, so sometimes we need to chose.’
Hojlund has scored 26 goals in 95 appearances for United since signing from in the summer of 2023.
