The 20-year-old will come in as Erik ten Hag’s first-choice striker at Man United but cannot be relied upon for every game and his main competitor needs to remain sharp.
Rasmus Hojlund should become Manchester United’s third major signing of the summer in the next 48 hours and, based on a previous admission, Anthony Martial will welcome him with open arms.
Hojlund is expected to be officially confirmed as a United player this weekєɴԀ, following the agreement of a £72million Ԁєɑł with Atalanta. An initial £64m will head to Bergamo, with £8m set aside for performance and success-related add-ons.
The 20-year-oldarrived at Manchester Airport around 4.15pm on Tuesdayand has been undergoing medical tests since. He could be announced as a Red whenUnitedhost RC Lens at Old Trafford this lunchtime.
Erik ten Hagidentified a world-class No.9 as his transfer priority early on, with United’s 58 Premier League goals the lowest in the top six last season.Wout Weghorstfeatured regularly once he arrived on loan from Burnley but failed to score in the league.
He returned to Turf Moor this summer, leaving onlyMartialas a recognised striker. The French international managed six Premier League goals last season but was once again plagued by ιɴjυɾу.
He might have hoped to be first-choice next season, but rather than curse his luck at a mega-money arrival in his position, the striker believesHojlund’sarrival will bring out the best in him – as he explained last year.
“We bɾօυɢҺt in some very good players this summer,” the Frenchman toldclub mediain November. “They’ve adapted very well and we’re very happy to have them.
“When there’s competition, you have to continue to put in great performances to keep your place, it’s a good thing for the team.”
Martial’s comments last year were not specific to his role, but they do apply. Hojlund is yet to suffer a serious ιɴjυɾу in his young career and has been regularly available feature wherever he’s played.
But to rely on him for 38 league games plus cup and European competition would be heavy pressure on young shoulders, and a sharp Martial will be crucial to United’s success next season. The pair should dovetail well together.
