Transfer Talk: How Hojlund could emulate Haaland at Man Utd

Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund has been the subject of much transfer speculation this summer, heavily linked with a move to Manchester United.

After a breakthrough season in Serie A, it is hardly surprising that the 20-year-old has caught the eye. 

Hojlund has earned comparisons to Erling Haaland and his potential is obvious. We look at what the Dane could offer the Red Devils.

Emulating Erling

It is easy to see why Hojlund has been compared to Haaland. Both goalscorers are tall, rangy Scandinavian strikers with impressive physical attributes.

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini is among those to have noticed the parallels between the two. 

The 65-year-old Italian coach said: "Hojlund has this spirit, energy, intensity, but also technical quality that is just remarkable. 

"He still has so much margin for improvement, too. 

"He has very similar characteristics to Haaland. He is so quick, he’s under 11 seconds over 100m and that’s not even trying very hard. 

"Considering his height, he has a low centre of gravity and can move his legs very fast. I am convinced he’ll have a great career, he just gets stronger every day."

Plenty to learn

Despite his clear promise, Hojlund is still a raw talent. 

He does not yet have Haaland’s ruthless nature in the box — and has admitted as much. 

The Copenhagen academy graduate said: "As I've said many times before, I would not like to compare myself to [Haaland] because he's a monster, he's crazy! 

"I can see the similarities. He's fast, I'm also fast. He's left-footed, I'm also left-footed. He's strong and I'm strong too. 

"I hope that I can reach his level but I'll need to train very hard and be even more focused on the pitch."

Expected goals

Hojlund may still be some way behind Haaland in terms of goals scored but his underlying numbers are impressive. 

He netted nine times in 32 Serie A appearances last season after joining Atalanta from Austrian side Sturm Graz. 

An open-play xG per 90 minutes of 0.38, however, put him among the best strikers in the Italian top flight. 

Only five players in the division — Victor Osimhen, Edin Dzeko, Lautaro Martinez, Moise Kean and Olivier Giroud — ranked higher.

Great Dane

Hojlund’s performances on the international stage have perhaps been even more impressive than those for his club. 

The young talent has scored six goals in four Euro 2024 qualifiers this year, a tally matched only by Belgium forward Romelu Lukaku. 

Compatriot and potential future club team-mate Christian Eriksen has been impressed. 

The Red Devils maestro, 31, said: "I can see [Hojlund] at Manchester United. He is a fantastic guy and a good player and has really developed brilliantly at Atalanta."

United's new No9

United were hindered throughout last season by the lack of a genuine centre forward and it is no surprise that they are hugely interested in recruiting Hojlund.

Loan signing Wout Weghorst failed to score in 17 Premier League appearances, while Anthony Martial continues to be plagued by injuries and inconsistency. 

Yet Atalanta's unwillingness to negotiate a deal that would involve Erik ten Hag's unwanted first-teamers head to Bergamo — and United's concurrent pursuit of Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana — is hindering progress.

But there is undoubtedly a need for extra firepower at Old Trafford and, if he reaches his potential, Hojlund could be the man to deliver.