EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd must decide if Hojlund is GAMBLE they are willing to take
Steve Kay
- Updated: 29 Jul 2023 15:06 BST
- 3 min read
Former Manchester United player Ben Thornley has expressed his view on the club potentially signing youngster Rasmus Hojlund.
The Atalanta striker is nearing a move to Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag looks to shape up his side for the next season, emphasising bolstering the attack. Indeed, the Dane has been left out of the Italian side's latest friendly squad in anticipation of the transfer.
It is thought that a deal can be reached for around €60 million, but there have been question marks about Hojlund’s age of 20 and lack of experience. The young striker only has one season of football in Europe's top five leagues under his belt, though he certainly impressed last term, scoring nine Serie A goals and earning the nickname 'the next Haaland.'
READ: Man Utd had Arsenal striker as transfer target before Hojlund
Speaking exclusively to FootballTransfers, MUTV figurehead Thornley - who was part of the famous Class of ‘92 - gave us his view on the transfer.
What did Thornley say?
The 48-year-old stated: “There is a belief from the people that have watched Hojlund regularly that he will become a top striker and it seems that the club have to decide whether paying a lot of money for someone who is, as yet, unproven at the top level is a small gamble or not."
"Your No.9 is a key position on the field along with your goalkeeper," he continued. "Someone who, when things are not going well, can produce a moment of brilliance to win you a game when you may not deserve it."
READ: Creative machine: Why Man City and Chelsea are desperate for Olise
“They are few and far between, which is why they cost the most. Either way," Thornley concluded, "if Hojlund is the man they want, we need to start the season with a central striker, and if he is as good as people say then he will score goals in this team with the creativity we have behind and either side of him."
