Hojlund's form proof Man Utd must sign €70m Premier League star

Cameron Smith

• 12 Feb 2024 06:48 GMT
• 5 min read

Rasmus Hojlund failed to score in his first 14 Premier League appearances following his €73.9 million summer move from Atalanta, but he has now well and truly found his feet at Manchester United.

The Denmark international did bag five goals during the Champions League group stage, however his early form in the English top flight was slightly troubling.

Hojlund showed frequent bright moments during his goal drought, but service was limited from Alejandro Garnacho and Antony, and he was unable to make his mark.

So, when he scored against Aston Villa on Boxing Day, his relief was overwhelming.

That game was the first in which Garnacho started on the right wing this season and Hojlund’s fortunes have changed massively since Erik ten Hag made that switch.

The ex-Atalanta star has flourished at the top of Man Utd’s attack and his relationship with Garnacho and Marcus Rashford is currently blossoming.

The trio have 12 goals and four assists in their last six games, while Hojlund has seven goal involvements in his last five Premier League appearances. His strike against Aston Villa also means he has netted in five consecutive league games.

In addition, Man Utd have five wins and one draw in their last six matches in all competitions and Hojlund has played a key role in their recent form.

Ultimately, the 21-year-old is finally displaying the goal-scoring prowess that earned him his big-money move to Old Trafford in 2023.

Throughout January, Man Utd were heavily linked with signing another forward in order to provide Hojlund with competition amid his struggles in front of goal, but that is no longer a necessity following his recent revival.

Instead, the Red Devils should focus on signing a long-term replacement for Casemiro.

Amadou Onana to Man Utd?

Casemiro is now 31 years old and while he isn’t yet finished at the top level, Saudi Pro League interest suggests that it may not be long before the ex-Real Madrid star leaves the European game.

Furthermore, while he has made 17 tackles in his three league appearances since returning from injury, the Brazilian has been dribbled past on 12 occasions during that time and he also conceded a penalty against Wolves. In addition, Casemiro has been booked in five of his last six games for club and country.

At his best, he remains a key player for Ten Hag, but Man Utd must sign a new number six this summer as Casemiro’s powers begin to wane.

Kobbie Mainoo has been a revelation since his introduction into the first-team, however the young Englishman is evidently best in a double pivot as the presence of a more defensive-minded partner allows him to advance into forward areas.

The return of Casemiro has allowed Mainoo to play slightly more advanced and Man Utd have seen the benefit of that with his goals against Newport County and Wolves.

Therefore, it’s critical for Man Utd to sign a new defensive midfielder as they look to build on Mainoo’s sensational start in senior football.

The potential man for the job could be Everton’s Amadou Onana.

FootballTransfers understand Man Utd are interested in signing the Belgian, although they could face competition from Newcastle United.

Onana has shone since joining Everton from Lille in 2022 and a move away has been touted as a possibility in 2024.

We have been told that a fee of around €70m (£60m) will be enough for Sean Dyche’s side to sell the midfielder, and Onana would be perfect for Man Utd.

The Belgium star would add considerable height to the Red Devils’ midfield and his ability to screen the back four would allow Mainoo to push forward and impact the game in the final third.

Furthermore, Onana has Premier League experience and is a player that Ten Hag likes.

The 22-year-old also has the potential to become a key player at Old Trafford, according to data analytics experts SciSports. Onana also has a potential SciSkill rating of 108.8, which is higher than Casemiro’s current 104.9.

The Everton star has proven his quality at Goodison Park and Man Utd should prioritise a summer move for the Belgian as they search for a long-term Casemiro replacement.