Toney alternative could be Man Utd's PERFECT Hojlund back-up

Cameron Smith

• 26 Apr 2024 16:40 BST
• 4 min read

Rasmus Hojlund has performed admirably during his first season at Manchester United, but signing an alternative this summer would be a sensible idea.

The Denmark international has netted 14 goals in all competitions since arriving from Atalanta, however the lack of a back-up option - due to Anthony Martial’s injury - has been a detriment to Erik ten Hag.

Hojlund went six games without scoring before he netted during Man Utd’s 4-2 win over Sheffield United on Wednesday and while he is clearly a very talented player, the burden of being the Red Devils’ main striker hope is a large one.

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He hasn’t struggled under that weight, but an added presence in attack would help ease the pressure currently placed on his shoulders.

Brentford forward Ivan Toney has been heavily linked as a potential arrival, but Man Utd could do a lot worse than signing another Atalanta striker.

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Gianluca Scamacca to Man Utd?

It’s fair to say that Gianluca Scamacca’s time at West Ham United was a slight disaster. The Italy international arrived for a fee of €28.5 million, but mustered just 11 Premier League starts during his sole campaign at the club, with a serious knee injury ending his season early.

He subsequently left the London Stadium after just one year and he is now excelling at Atalanta.

A key contributor in their shock win over Liverpool, Scamacca has 14 goals in just 1,651 minutes of action in Serie A and the Europa League this season.

That works out at a goal every 118 minutes - a better rate than every Man Utd player in 2023-24.

The Red Devils were heavily linked with a move for Scamacca before he joined West Ham in 2022, but they were beaten to the punch by Moyes’ side.

Scamacca looks settled at Atalanta and won’t be inclined to leave the club, however the chance to move to Old Trafford and prove himself in the Premier League may be an attractive proposition.

If it is, then Man Utd should strongly consider a move.

He may not immediately usurp Hojlund as first-choice, but Scamacca would be a brilliant addition to Ten Hag’s squad and would allow the Dutchman to rotate his forward line far more consistently.

This could result in improvements from Hojlund, who may benefit from being rested from time to time, and could aid Man Utd as they look to compete on multiple fronts next year.

Furthermore, Scamacca would likely cost less than Toney and while he isn’t proven in the English top flight, his class is evident for all to see.