Manchester United sealed their swoop for Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta for a reported payment of £64 million ($82 million) on Saturday.
Hojlund agreed a five-year contract with the choice of an extra season as United supervisor Erik ten Hag lastly received his want to usher in a striker forward of the brand new Premier League marketing campaign.
The 20-year-old may price United an extra £8 million if add-on clauses in his contract are met.
“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,” Hojlund mentioned.
“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.”
Hojlund was launched to United supporters on the Old Trafford pitch forward of their 3-1 pleasant victory over Lens simply hours after his signing was confirmed.
Ten Hag made Hojlund his high goal after United reportedly refused to pay Tottenham’s asking value for England striker Harry Kane, who seems certain for German champions Bayern Munich.
French champions Paris Saint Germain have been additionally mentioned to be within the hunt for Hojlund’s signature earlier than United gained the race.
Ten Hag was eager to spice up his putting choices after a season through which his aspect typically lacked a innovative.
United completed third within the Premier League however scored simply 58 objectives — 36 fewer than champions Manchester City.
Although Hojlund has a low profile in comparison with lots of his new team-mates, Ten Hag is assured he can thrive beneath the Old Trafford highlight.
“He is a real frontman. Very direct to the goal, very good presser, a physical presence,” Ten Hag mentioned.
“He wants to score goals. I think he has huge potential. And now it’s up to him first, to explore that and we will support him, all the coaches.
“The team was waiting for a type like him. They will integrate him in the dressing room and in the pitch, they will help him.”
Hojlund has loved a sudden rise since beginning his profession in relative obscurity with Danish membership FC Copenhagen in 2020.
He moved on to Austrian aspect Sturm Graz, the place his 12 objectives in 21 video games satisfied Atalanta to signal him in August 2022.
He scored 10 objectives in 34 appearances in all competitions for the Italian group final season, catching Ten Hag’s eye within the course of.
Physical presence
Standing 6ft 2ins tall, Hojlund, who has scored six instances in his six video games for Denmark, ought to have the bodily presence to deal with the aggressive method of Premier League defenders.
As properly as his imposing physique, he’s additionally blessed with blistering tempo and predatory instincts within the penalty space.
Hojlund’s Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini likened him to Manchester City’s record-breaking striker Erling Haaland, whose objectives helped United’s rivals win the treble final time period.
In his maiden season in cost, Ten Hag led United to their first trophy in six years once they beat Newcastle within the League Cup closing in February.
But the Dutch coach desires a sustained title problem this time period and Hojlund shall be anticipated to make an on the spot impression after his signing took Ten Hag’s close-season spending over £160 million.
Hojlund is the third main arrival at Old Trafford since final season after the signings of Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount and Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana.
The Danish striker may make his aggressive debut for United towards Wolves at Old Trafford of their opening Premier League fixture on August 14.