Manchester United Weigh Sale of Striker Amid Financial Pressures | OneFootball

Hojlund’s Future in Doubt as United Eye Sesko and Weigh £30m Sale

United Consider Options Amid Transfer Market Pressure

Manchester United’s summer transfer priorities appear to be shifting, and one of the most surprising developments is the club’s reported willingness to sell Rasmus Hojlund for £30 million, according to the Mail. Just two years after signing the Danish striker for a deal worth up to £72 million, United are considering offloading him to raise funds under profit and sustainability regulations.

Hojlund, who arrived from Atalanta in 2023 for an initial £64 million, is still only 22 years old. Yet, after a season that yielded only four Premier League goals, questions have been raised about his readiness to lead the line at a club aiming to return to the top of English football.

“Hojlund has been linked with a return to Italy and as a possible replacement for Sesko at Leipzig, but would prefer to stay at United.” Despite the speculation, the forward has made it clear he has no intention of walking away quietly.

“I think my plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot whatever happens,” he said after scoring in United’s 4-1 win over Bournemouth during their US tour.

Photo IMAGO

Amorim Refuses to Guarantee Hojlund’s Future

United’s new manager Ruben Amorim was equally honest when asked about the situation. “I am really happy with Rasmus, but I don’t know what is going to happen until the end of the market.” It’s a statement that reflects the ongoing balancing act between squad development and financial constraints.

Having seen Liam Delap, Victor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitike snapped up by rivals, United’s pursuit of RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko has gained urgency. With Newcastle also interested in Sesko, United know that swift movement in the market is essential.

If Sesko arrives, Hojlund’s minutes will likely shrink, further casting doubt on his long-term role. Yet, the Dane remains defiant and self-assured.

“Competition is fine with me, it sharpens me. I’m more than ready. I’m feeling sharp so I’m welcoming everything that comes,” he said. “I’m still very young. I think people forget that sometimes, I’m only 22.”

Photo: IMAGO

Development Stalled Amid Club Struggles

The numbers tell part of the story. Hojlund has scored 26 goals in 95 appearances for United, with 16 of those coming in his debut season. However, last term saw that tally fall to just 10 across all competitions, during what many labelled United’s worst season in over fifty years.

“Obviously it was a tough season on us all,” Hojlund admitted. “I think I should have done better, I think everybody knows. But also it’s a team thing, that we’re going to be better now.”

He insists he’s learning fast. “We played a lot of games last year so it was hard for me to implement anything into the game for me, especially training on the pitch. So it’s been a lot of videos, especially with my movement in the box, and also the timing of my runs has been very important.”

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Sesko Arrival Would Alter United’s Attack

With over £130 million already spent on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, and the Slovene international Sesko potentially arriving soon, United’s attack is being reshaped significantly. Whether Hojlund fits into that evolving picture remains to be seen.

“Strikers always want to score goals. It’s very important for me. I think after last season it’s been a bit rough and I’ve tried to sharpen myself over the course of the holidays and I feel very, very good,” Hojlund reflected.

His attitude is commendable, but football is ultimately a results business. If United decide to cut their losses, suitors from Italy and Germany are waiting.

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For United fans, this feels too soon. Rasmus Hojlund is 22, still developing, and has been one of the few players to show consistent drive during a dismal season. Yes, his goals dried up, but the service to him was patchy, the tactics unsettled, and the team lacked structure for much of the campaign.

Selling him for £30 million feels like poor business sense. Taking such a loss not only affects the books but risks missing out on a player who could flourish under more stable conditions. Fans have seen young players written off prematurely before.

Hojlund’s attitude throughout this has been spot on. “I’m more than ready,” he said, and his pre-season form backs it up. In a squad full of changes, some continuity, especially up front, is valuable.

If Sesko arrives, competition is welcome, but many fans would prefer to see Hojlund given the platform to fight for his place. Selling him now would feel like giving up before the project has even begun.