Rasmus Hojlund gives Man Utd transfer green light as Erik ten Hag forces Glazers U-turn

Rasmus Hojlund greenlights Man Utd transfer as Erik ten Hag forces Glazers to turn around

Rasmus Hojlund ‘loved’ Manchester United’s message, which saw Erik ten Hag welcome new signing Andre Onana – amid speculation over the Atalanta striker’s future

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes reflects on Arsenal game

Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund has already made it clear he wants to join Manchester United this summer and his recent social media activity has reinforced his desire to move to Old Trafford.

United are stepping up their pursuit of Danish international Hojlund. The Red Devils are aiming to sign a new centre-forward this summer after Wout Weghorst’s loan deal expires – Anthony Martial is the only recognized senior player in the role and the Frenchman’s future at Old Trafford is unclear.

Last January, Hojlund expressed his preference for a move to United: “If you ask now, I don’t want to hide the fact that I’m a huge Manchester United fan. So for me personally that would be one of the most important things, but of course that doesn’t mean I would turn down other big clubs if the offers end up coming in.”

It is understood that the player’s and United’s representatives are in agreement and that personal relations are not an issue. The biggest stumbling block to finalizing a deal is that the two clubs agree on a transfer fee – with the English club hoping Atalanta will significantly reduce their £86m asking price.

Now, with her Instagram activity, Hojlund has provided another strong indication of her desire to complete the move. The striker liked a message in which United manager Erik ten Hag greets goalkeeper Andre Onana after completing his transfer. The club’s official account caption read: “The moment we’ve been waiting for.”

As well as signing Hojlund, Ten Hag is keen to sign striker Martial this summer – the Frenchman has endured another frustrating season without sustained form or fitness. The striker is the favorite of United co-chairman Joel Glazer but the manager is expected to win the dispute over payment.

Hojlund liked Man Utd’s Instagram post in which he hailed Onana

Hojlund has previously spoken of his desire to join United (

Say your opinion! How many goals could Hojlund score for Man Utd next season if they signed him? Tell us what you think here.

The club’s Glazer family owners had earlier blocked Jose Mourinho’s attempts to sell the striker, as the former boss tried to persuade Martial to leave in order to lure then Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic to Old Trafford. However, the club will hear offers this summer, once again highlighting Ten Hag’s influence in the decision-making process.

It is clear that coach Ten Hag prefers a transfer from Hojlund to Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani. United’s transfer executives believed Harry Kane was unreachable this summer, while Napoli striker Victor Osimhen’s price was prohibitively expensive. Hojlund impressed in his debut season in Bergamo after joining from Sturm Graz last summer. He has scored nine goals in Serie A, also impressing his country in Euro qualifying.

United started this season with the priority of signing a centre-forward but have since faded into the background. Attacking midfielder Mason Mount has completed his move to Old Trafford and the Red Devils have initially paid £55m plus up to £5m in add-ons for the England international.

Ten Hag’s team then completed the signing of goalkeeper Onana from Inter following the departure of David de Gea. These transfer negotiations and spending have put off the pursuit of Hojlund, but they are now focused on signing the striker.