Rasmus Hojlund has joined Manchester United from Atalanta in a £72m move, but will not be ready to make his debut in the Red Devils’ Premier League opener against Wolves
Manchester United fans will have to wait to see new striker Rasmus Hojlund make his debut as the 20-year-old is nursing an injury.
Hojlund has become United’s third summer signing after Mason Mount and Andre Onana, joining from Atalanta in a deal worth £72m. The Danish international was officially unveiled as a United player ahead of a pre-season friendly against Lens at Old Trafford, but he could miss the first few weeks of the new season.
Rasmus Hojlund will miss the start of the Premier League season with injury (Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
United have confirmed that Hojlund picked up a ‘small issue’ in pre-season with Atalanta and will be absent when Erik ten Hag’s side get their new campaign underway at home against Wolves on August 14. There is no official timeline for Hojlund’s eventual debut, but the forward cannot wait to fulfil a 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥hood dream.
“It is no secret that I have been a fan of this great club since I was a small boy, and I dreamed of walking out at Old Trafford as a Manchester United player,” he said. “I am incredibly excited by this opportunity to turn that dream into a reality, and I am determined to repay the faith that the club has shown in me.
“It is still early in my career, but I know that I am ready to make this step up and play with this group of world-class players. Once I had spoken to the manager, I knew that this environment would be perfect for my development.
“I am relishing the opportunity to work with one of the best coaches in the world. Under his guidance and support, I know that I am capable of achieving great things together with my new team-mates at this special club.”
One of his new team-mates will be compatriot Christian Eriksen, who has been impressed by Hojlund’s development over the last year at Atalanta. “What’s he like? He’s a strong No 9,” Eriksen told reporters after a pre-season defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
Hojlund has signed a five-year contract with an option of a further 12 months ( Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
“He’s developed a lot in the last year from when I first saw him with the national team so, yeah, he’s a very good player. I suppose we don’t get enough media attention in Denmark that’s why, so people outside Denmark don’t know enough.
“He’s a nice guy, he’s a good player. Like I said, he’s developed, turning into just a No.9, which he’s played for the national team. I spoke to him when we were with the national team last time.
“Of course, I’ve said a lot of good stuff and also said some bad stuff! But in the end, it’s what’s going to happen.”
Source: mirror