What will Manchester United do with Rasmus Højlund?
The excitement briefly returned to Old Trafford at the start of last season. The team brought in new faces, there was hope, there was noise, but that hope faded with each passing game. Manchester United never managed to find consistency or a reliable pattern of play.
Despite some bright moments, the team ended up having the worst season in the last decade. Neither the signings, nor the tactical approach, nor even the collective character reached what was expected, and that has left us in an uncomfortable position, almost stagnant, once again.
The board has tried to respond. The arrival of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo reflects an attempt to strengthen the attack. Both are talented; there is no denying that, but even with those additions, the main focus remains on the forward line, and especially on a name that keeps popping up in discussions among fans: Rasmus Højlund. His last season was weak, confidence-wise and also statistically.
Doubts about Hojlund and the Sesko case
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, in conversation with United in Focus, United are holding back on their interest in Benjamin Sesko, one of the most expensive young talents on the market. Why? Because they fear a repeat of the Højlund case.
Bailey suggests that no one wants to take on another million-dollar signing that could go wrong. The Rasmus situation has set alarm bells ringing, and not only him. Mason Mount is also on that list of underperforming investments. The losses could be serious if the right decisions are not made now.
Sesko is powerful, tall, fast, and has goal-scoring instincts, but his age implies risk. It is exactly what United want to avoid after the disappointment with Hojlund. That is why the club are not taking the plunge.
Opinion: To sell or to build?
As fans we find it hard to accept that there is already talk of selling Højlund. Yes, he failed a lot, but he also had too little support. The 22-year-old didn’t have a reliable creator behind him, except Bruno Fernandes. Mount disappeared for most of the season, and Rashford was loaned to Aston Villa, while Alejandro Garnacho was not at his best. Højlund spent a lot of games isolated between centre-backs, and even so, there were few sparks. There’s something there, but it needs work.
If we can’t sell him for the right price, we need to change the approach. That requires a serious plan. Amorim should work with him on his clear role, positioning and reading the game; a system that benefits him, that exploits his speed and aerial ability, and above all, someone to give him deliveries.
Cunha, Mbeumo, even Mount if he wakes up, could be key. We also think it would be useful if he had some references close to him. A veteran striker in the squad to guide him could make a difference. However, the Sesko deal won’t be possible if we don’t manage to offload the Dane.
If the club wants to avoid him becoming another forgotten name, they have to make it work. Because if we don’t sign another ‘9’, whether we like it or not, he’s our only real option.