Report: Inter Milan Look Have “Strong Admiration” for Man Utd Flop | OneFootball

Inter Milan show interest in Hojlund as Man Utd consider exits

Inter plot move for Man Utd striker

Inter Milan have made informal contact regarding Rasmus Hojlund, according to James Ducker in the Telegraph, with early discussions centred on a potential deal for the Manchester United forward. While United are not actively looking to sell the Denmark international, both club and player are understood to be aware of the Italian club’s interest.

The 22-year-old joined United from Atalanta in a high-profile £72 million deal, but his first season at Old Trafford was mixed. Despite a promising start, Hojlund endured a challenging campaign, which has led to growing speculation over his future.

United remain open to the idea of parting ways with the striker should a suitable offer arrive. Though not on the transfer list, Hojlund is among those who could be sacrificed to fund a broader squad overhaul under incoming manager Ruben Amorim.

Inter remain admirers from Serie A days

Inter Milan are understood to have retained a strong admiration for Hojlund following his performances for Atalanta. He remains well-regarded in Serie A circles, with several Italian clubs still appreciative of his potential and physical attributes.

Despite his struggles in the Premier League, Inter have not been deterred. They are thought to view Hojlund as a viable long-term investment and see value in a player who was perhaps thrust into a central role too quickly at Old Trafford. “There is recognition in Italy of the challenges he has faced at United,” sources suggest, particularly in light of the lack of experienced forwards around him.

The Serie A champions, now preparing to appoint Cristian Chivu as head coach following Simone Inzaghi’s departure to Al Hilal, are in the market for attacking reinforcements ahead of their Club World Cup campaign in the United States. Hojlund features prominently on their list of targets.

Financial structure may dictate deal

It is believed Inter Milan would prefer to secure Hojlund initially on loan with an option or obligation to buy, while Manchester United may insist on a permanent transfer to raise funds. The Premier League side are thought to value the striker at around €45–50 million (£38–42 million), which would mark a significant loss on their original investment.

Having already sealed a £62.5 million deal for Matheus Cunha from Wolves, United are also exploring a move for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo to strengthen their front line. Amorim’s focus is clear: revitalise the attack while balancing the books.

Wages and squad size under scrutiny

Amid the ongoing rebuild, United’s broader financial strategy is becoming increasingly visible. With no European football next season, the club is aiming to reduce operational costs—particularly wages.

It is estimated that United’s wage bill could fall by £80 million compared to the 2023–24 season. Figures released in Friday’s Q3 financial update revealed a 22% drop in wages to £71.2 million for the period ending 31 March, driven partly by the loan exits of high earners such as Marcus Rashford and Antony.

If further senior departures materialise—potentially including Rashford, Casemiro, and Jadon Sancho—the wage bill could dip as low as £285 million for the 2025–26 season. “There was recognition internally among United’s new hierarchy that the wage bill had lost connection with on-field performance,” highlighting a push for more incentive-driven contracts with lower base salaries.

Hojlund’s future may therefore hinge not only on Inter’s ambition, but also on United’s wider efforts to streamline the squad and recalibrate its financial model heading into a pivotal summer.