Rasmus Hojlund’s Manchester United career has reached a turning point just as the club prepares for a high-profile Premier League opener against Arsenal at Old Trafford.
The Danish striker, signed from Atalanta for an initial £64m [$86m] in 2023 reportedly won’t feature in United’s squad for Sunday’s clash.
Fabrizio Romano reported, “Rasmus Højlund and Manchester United, it’s definitely over.
Højlund won’t be part of Man United squad against Arsenal as club sends clear message pushing for his exit.”
That decision arrives days after the signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig for £73.7m [$100m], a move that has pushed Hojlund down the pecking order despite his desire to remain and fight for his place.
Hojlund struggled through last season when he scored only ten goals in all competitions.
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Despite that, he has shown commitment during pre-season, telling reporters in the United States,“My plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens.”
The message from United’s hierarchy, however, points toward a different outcome.
Manchester United sets preference on Hojlund transfer
According to The Athletic, Manchester United’s preference is to secure a permanent sale, though there is an acceptance that they may need to accept less than his current book value of around £45m [$61m] and the club remains open to loan offers if suitable bids do not arrive.
Both AC Milan and Leipzig have expressed interest but so far no deal has been reached and the striker remains in limbo.
Hojlund, who was left unused in the final pre season friendly against Fiorentina, has scored 26 goals in 95 appearances for the club.