With INEOS planning a summer rebuild, Manchester United are reportedly open to allowing a big-money transfer flop to depart this summer as Serie A giants Juventus set their sights on a bargain deal.
Man Utd's need for an attacking overhaul
Whilst Ruben Amorim’s backline has far from been secure throughout the opening period of his reign, his biggest problem arguably lies in attack. The Red Devils have lacked a clear presence for some time and have often been left to rely on Bruno Fernandes to light the spark of a dying flame at Old Trafford.
To put the struggles of Manchester United’s frontline into true context, as impressive as Joshua Zirkzee’s headed effort against Lyon was in midweek, it was just the seventh goal that the summer arrival has managed in all competitions this season.
Amorim will be well aware of the troubles that his frontline have faced in recent months, but that didn’t stop the Manchester United manager from heaping praise on both Zirkzee and Ramus Hojlund in midweek, telling reporters: “Sometimes the most important player in the game is the guys that come on during the game. So he did his job quite well.
“But again, Rasmus, especially during the first half, he did a lot of runs and pushed the team forward, in one moment that we were struggling to find the right moment to press the opponent. So he did his job. And then Josh did a great goal and also did a great job when he was inside of the pitch.”
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However, that praise may not be enough to prevent the changes that INEOS want to make this summer, as the exit door reportedly swings open for one particular player.
Man Utd open to selling Hojlund at discounted price
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Manchester United are now open to selling Hojlund at a £20m discount rather than recouping the £72m they paid to secure his signature in 2023.
As a result, Italian giants Juventus have been tentatively named as interested in a fresh swoop to sign the Dane over the coming months, in what could turn into a bargain should Hojlund realise his best form.
However, the strength of their rumoured interest is currently unknown as there has been no contact between the clubs, while Napoli have been credited with an interest in Hojlund in the past.
Priced at a reported €60m (£52m), Hojlund desperately needs a fresh start away from Manchester United and a summer switch to Juventus would offer exactly that. Given that he earns a reported £85,000 a week at Old Trafford, it should come as no surprise that INEOS are keen to show the door to what has been a major transfer flop.
Appearances
85
Goals
24
Assists
6
Given their financial concerns, cashing in on the likes of Hojlund may well be a must for Manchester United this summer in what looks set to be an easier decision with every passing week.
