🚨🗣️ Schmeichel Advises Højlund: “A Loan Move Could Be the Best Step for His Growth”

Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has weighed in on the future of fellow Dane Rasmus Højlund, offering some strong words of advice that have sparked plenty of debate among fans and pundits alike. The 21-year-old striker, who arrived at Old Trafford with huge expectations, has endured a challenging spell since his move, and Schmeichel believes a temporary loan move could be the perfect solution to unlock his potential.

In a candid assessment, Schmeichel explained:

“If I were to advise Rasmus, and I was his agent, or his father or whoever he listens to, I would take a one-year loan deal to a place where you play against the same kind of defence, physical defenders, where the game is of the same nature, but it is an easier place to be, and then on a team that creates a lot of chances. If he could go, score 20–25 goals, then he could come back next year and ask the manager, ‘Can you use me now or can’t you use me now?’.”

This advice highlights two key issues: United’s lack of consistent chance creation, and the immense pressure placed on Højlund to deliver instantly at one of the world’s most scrutinised clubs.

⚽ The Pressure of Playing for Manchester United

Since joining Manchester United, Højlund has been caught in a whirlwind of expectation. Supporters viewed him as the missing piece in the attack — a young, hungry striker capable of leading the line for years to come. However, adapting to the Premier League is no easy task, especially when you’re tasked with carrying the scoring burden in a team that itself has been struggling to find stability.

United’s inconsistency in midfield supply and overall attacking structure has left Højlund isolated at times. While he has shown flashes of his quality — clever movement, strength against defenders, and moments of sharp finishing — the service has often been lacking. This has limited his ability to thrive, denting his confidence and leaving questions about whether he is truly ready for the intensity of Old Trafford’s demands.

📝 Why Schmeichel Believes a Loan Could Help

Schmeichel’s comments come from a place of experience. He knows what it means to succeed at Manchester United and how unforgiving the Premier League can be. A loan spell, in his eyes, would give Højlund a platform to rediscover his form, confidence, and killer instinct in front of goal.

By moving to a club that consistently creates chances, Højlund would likely be able to rack up goals more freely, easing the pressure that currently weighs him down at Old Trafford. For a young striker, nothing builds confidence quite like scoring goals. Schmeichel imagines a scenario where Højlund bags 20–25 goals elsewhere, returns to Manchester brimming with belief, and puts the ball back in Erik ten Hag’s court: “Can you use me now?”

It’s a bold suggestion, but one rooted in a realistic understanding of how young strikers develop.

🔎 Where Could Højlund Go?

The natural question following Schmeichel’s advice is: where could Højlund realistically be loaned to?

Serie A return: Having previously played in Italy with Atalanta, a move back to Serie A could provide the right balance of physical defending and technical play. Clubs like Napoli, Roma, or even a return to Atalanta could be ideal for his growth.
Bundesliga option: Germany’s top division is known for its attacking football and openness. A team like RB Leipzig, who frequently nurture young talents, could be a perfect fit.
Premier League mid-table club: Staying in England but moving to a club that creates more chances without the same pressure might also work. For instance, Brighton or Aston Villa could provide a more supportive environment.

The key would be finding a team where Højlund plays regularly, learns from different tactical systems, but still faces the kind of physical defenders he will encounter in the Premier League.

📊 What This Means for Manchester United

Schmeichel’s comments also reflect a deeper issue: Manchester United’s recruitment strategy and their tendency to place massive responsibility on young players without fully equipping them to succeed. Højlund has talent, no doubt, but United’s inability to build a stable attacking structure around him has made his job far more difficult than it should be.

If the club continues to rely solely on him without fixing the wider problems in midfield creativity and wide delivery, then even the most talented striker will struggle. Schmeichel’s suggestion is almost a critique of United’s current setup as much as it is advice for Højlund.

👀 Fans’ Divided Reactions

Unsurprisingly, Schmeichel’s comments have divided opinion among fans.

Some agree, believing that a loan would relieve the pressure and allow Højlund to develop away from the spotlight.
Others feel that Manchester United should not loan out their £72m signing, arguing that he needs time and trust to adapt, not a move away.
A few point to historical examples, like Harry Kane’s multiple loan spells before becoming Tottenham’s talisman, as proof that temporary moves can accelerate a striker’s growth.

🏆 The Bigger Picture

Ultimately, Schmeichel’s advice isn’t just about Højlund — it’s about how Manchester United handles young talent. If United truly want to get the best out of their striker, they need to either provide him with the tools to succeed now or accept that a short-term step back might be the best way for long-term progress.

For Højlund himself, the next year could be career-defining. Does he fight through the struggles at United, hoping things improve? Or does he accept the possibility of a loan, sharpening his game elsewhere before returning as a more complete forward?

Whatever the decision, one thing is clear: the Danish striker has all the raw tools to be a success. With the right guidance, patience, and opportunities, he could yet become the long-term solution Manchester United have been searching for.