Rio Ferdinand provides Rasmus Hojlund switch backing with Darwin Nunez comparability

Aug 03, 2023 at 1:29 AM
Rio Ferdinand provides Rasmus Hojlund switch backing with Darwin Nunez comparability

Rio Ferdinand has warned Manchester United supporters that new arrival Rasmus Hojlund might battle to make an influence in his debut season at Old Trafford. The 20-year-old Denmark worldwide Hojlund has now accomplished his medical checks forward of an announcement £72million change from Atalanta which is prone to be formally introduced within the coming days.

Hojlund might be formally unveiled as a brand new United participant on Saturday when Erik ten Hag’s facet host Lens at Old Trafford of their penultimate pre-season pleasant earlier than their Premier League opener in opposition to Wolves on August 14.

But within the view of Ferdinand, £85m Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez resides proof that big-money switch charges don’t essentially assure speedy success.

Therefore, he’s adamant younger gun Hojlund should be given time to adapt to his new environment – regardless that he’s anticipated to spearhead United’s new-look assault for the 2023/24 marketing campaign.

United are paying £64m upfront for the uncooked, unpolished prospect who mustered simply 9 targets in Serie A final season – plus an extra £8m in bonuses.

But TNT Sports pundit Ferdinand is adamant the targets will come because the Scandinavian ticks nearly each field head coach Ten Hag is searching for from his marquee centre-forward.

“The first thing you’ve got to look at is there’s huge potential,” he stated. “Anyone who has seen him play will see there are attributes there that you would like. He’s suited to the Premier League.

“I think the price tag is out of his hands. I look at it like Darwin Nunez from Liverpool. Last season was his adjusting season.

“He’s a young striker coming to the league, everything about him [Nunez] fits the Premier League perfectly but it didn’t go as well as he would have liked. But I think this season we’ll see a different player for Liverpool.”

But TNT Sports pundit Ferdinand is adamant the goals and productivity will come as the Scandinavian ticks virtually every box head coach Ten Hag is looking for from his marquee centre-forward.

“The first thing you’ve got to look at is there’s huge potential,” he stated. “Anyone who has seen him play will see there are attributes there that you want to. He’s suited to the Premier League.

“I feel the value tag is out of his arms. I take a look at it like Darwin Nunez from Liverpool. Last season was his adjusting season.

“I think the price tag is out of his hands. I look at it like Darwin Nunez from Liverpool. Last season was his adjusting season.

Nunez only found the back of the net nine times in the Premier League last season for the Reds following his high-profile switch from Benfica but former United centre-back Ferdinand now expects the Uruguayan’s numbers to explode under the expertise of Jurgen Klopp.

He added: “I would not be stunned if that occurs with Hojlund though I’d like him to have a greater season than Nunez clearly. He could properly do however it would take time to regulate.

“The quality is there but you’re always going to be paying big bucks – it’s Manchester United and English tax. That’s what happens.”

United had been contemplating an audacious transfer for Tottenham frontman Harry Kane on the finish of final season because the England captain approached the ultimate yr of his Spurs contract.

Nunez solely discovered the again of the web 9 instances within the Premier League final season for the Reds following his high-profile change from Benfica however former United centre-back Ferdinand now expects the Uruguayan’s numbers to blow up below the experience of Jurgen Klopp.

He added: “I wouldn’t be surprised if that happens with Hojlund although I’d like him to have a better season than Nunez obviously. He may well do but it will take time to adjust.

“The high quality is there however you are all the time going to be paying huge bucks – it is Manchester United and English tax. That’s what occurs.”

United had been considering an audacious move for Tottenham frontman Harry Kane at the end of last season as the England captain approached the final year of his Spurs contract.

But Old Trafford chiefs were mindful that Daniel Levy had no interest in doing business with a fellow Premier League rival – a stance that has been reaffirmed in recent weeks as Bayern Munich continue to push for an agreement.

But Old Trafford chiefs were mindful that Daniel Levy had no interest in doing business with a fellow Premier League rival – a stance that has been reaffirmed in recent weeks as Bayern Munich continue to push for an agreement.

Instead, United pressed ahead with a swoop for the latest talent off the Atalanta conveyor belt, who is one of Europe’s hottest commodities and takes the club’s summer spending to a grand total of £179m.

Paris Saint-Germain had rivalled United’s bids with a verbal proposal for Hojlund but he made it abundantly clear via his representatives that the Red Devils, the club he supports, were the only team for him.

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