£72m deal: Man United agree to sign Hojlund from Atalanta

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Serie A side Atalanta over the signing of striker Rasmus Hojlund; 20-year-old was left out of the squad that played Bournemouth in a pre-season friendly on Saturday

Rasmus Hojlund has captured the imagination after an encouraging season in Serie A and Manchester United are betting on the 20-year-old talent to be the next superstar striker in European football. But how can they get the best from the young Dane?

Sturm Graz’s tactics demanded Hojlund make penetrative runs in behind the opposition defence. “That needs a lot of sprints and a lot of quick decisions from our strikers, and I think those are big strengths of Rasmus,” head coach Christian Ilzer told Sky Sports.

Former bosses at Sturm Graz explain the vast potential of Danish forward Rasmus Hojlund

“I think it was key that our philosophy and style fitted his skillset perfectly so he came into a good environment. Ras was a great addition to our team with his abilities. It was his speed, his general physique and his willingness to work hard against the ball.”

Erik ten Hag will welcome a pressing forward with pace but patience will be required. Hojlund has promise but United need to see significant progression to justify this outlay. He made that progress at Sturm Graz and again with Atalanta. This next step is the key one.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag confirms bringing in a new striker is a priority and says his side must become more clinical in front of goal.
Play Video – Ten Hag: Missed chances highlight need for new striker
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says their missed chances against Real Madrid highlights why he wants to bring a new striker to the club.
Ten Hag said United’s inability to take their chances in a 2-0 friendly loss to Real Madrid on Thursday “absolutely” emphasised their need for a new striker.

United had chances of their own but failed to score with any of their 14 attempts – an all too familiar tale given their problems taking opportunities last season.

Asked if the attacking display in Texas emphasised why they were looking to sign a new striker, Ten Hag said: “Absolutely.

“There were two things – the pressing can be better from the start and scoring goals.

“I think we need more players who are capable to be in the one-on-ones and we had the situations of one-on-ones.”