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You’ll have to be there come 2025–26 to see who leads the road for Manchester United. Proper now, who that shall be remains to be a thriller.
Rasmus Hojlund has regarded sharp in pre-season. He didn’t rating in opposition to Leeds or West Ham, however the objectives all the time felt imminent.
Towards Bournemouth, he ought to have had a brace. His sensible glancing header gave United the lead within the 4–1 win, and early within the second half, he thought he had added a second (Amad’s shot disregarded him, diverting the ball into the far nook), however the winger claimed the aim.
Both approach, Hojlund looked much improved, and regarded his finest in fairly some time.
With the Benjamin Sesko links gaining traction forward of that pleasant, he opted to point out he’s prepared for a struggle.
Hojlund’s tough place
So, is the Dane fearful about his spot at United with an improve seemingly within the pipeline?
Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic has unpacked the advanced state of affairs surrounding the striker.
On United’s chase for Sesko, Whitwell notes:
“United executives at the moment are seeing if a deal might be struck with RB Leipzig and the participant himself.”
He provides:
“Have been he to reach, Sesko would, as the brand new signing, anticipate to be beginning every week if match.
“However, as but, Hojlund has not been informed instantly he’s up on the market.
“He could have suspicions given United’s strategy available in the market, however that’s not sufficient to change his mindset at current.
“Ought to United make it clear to him that he wants to depart, that would change.”
Curiously, whereas the narrative urged Hojlund would make approach, Whitwell suggests there may be nonetheless a approach for him to remain:
“Amid the uncertainty on that, Hojlund has not instructed his brokers, SEG, to actively have interaction in a switch away from Previous Trafford.
“It’s not unattainable that United can increase the funds for Sesko with out Hojlund leaving, given they might but recoup vital charges on Alejandro Garnacho and Antony.
“United might agree the Sesko deal earlier than promoting gamers, as long as it occurs earlier than subsequent yr’s PSR deadline.”
Sesko vs Hojlund: the battle
With each Hojlund and Sesko 22, United’s quantity 9 could also be smart to hunt a transfer, as he’s risking enjoying second fiddle to the Bundesliga hitman.
However will he, on condition that he recently revealed he needs to see out the remainder of his contract on the Theatre of Desires (feedback he has simply repeated).
🚨 Rasmus Højlund: “I’m nonetheless very younger, individuals generally neglect that. I’m solely 22 years outdated”.
“I’ve discovered so much, and I believe that reveals in my recreation. I’ve achieved very nicely to this point through the pre-season… I wish to keep right here”, informed Every day Mail. pic.twitter.com/llNSPB10NN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2025
Even so, with Joshua Zirkzee a hybrid ahead, Ruben Amorim might decide to make use of the Dutchman as a quantity 10.
That would go away the battle for the nine-role to Hojlund and Sesko (Chido Obi probably getting occasional cameo appearances).
Whereas Sesko is tipped to be an instant hit, Hojlund might supply him simply the correct of competitors.
Two hungry younger strikers pushing one another to the restrict is precisely the form of battle Amorim may relish as he sharpens United’s attacking edge.
Function picture Vincent Carchietta through Getty Photographs
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