Rasmus Højlund arrived at Manchester United in the summer of 2023, hailed as one of Europe’s most promising young strikers. The Danish international, signed from Atalanta for a fee that could rise to £72 million, was seen as the answer to United’s long-standing search for a prolific number nine. Fast forward to the summer of 2025, and Højlund’s future at Old Trafford is under intense scrutiny, with speculation mounting about a possible move away from the club.
The Weight of Expectation
Højlund’s first season in Manchester showed glimpses of his potential. He scored 16 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions and played a key role in United’s FA Cup triumph. Yet, the transition to the Premier League has been anything but smooth. At just 22, Højlund has struggled to find consistency, managing only four goals in 32 Premier League matches during the 2024/25 season. This return places him fourth among United’s top scorers, a statistic that reflects both his individual challenges and the broader issues plaguing United’s attack.
A Team Struggling to Create
The numbers tell a stark story. Højlund averages just 1.12 shots per 90 minutes, with a goal every 503 minutes. His shot conversion rate stands at 16.67%, and he has not registered a single assist this season. For context, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson both average more than three shots per game, while even Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood manages 1.9. Højlund’s lack of opportunities is symptomatic of a United side that has struggled to provide quality service to its forwards.
Ruben Amorim, United’s head coach, has defended his striker, insisting that the team’s low scoring rate is a collective problem rather than an individual failing. United have scored just 38 goals in 33 league matches, the lowest tally outside the bottom four clubs. Amorim has stressed the need for more creativity and support for Højlund, noting that the burden placed on such a young player has been immense.
Expert Insights: Talent Amid Turbulence
Despite his struggles, Højlund’s talent is not in question. Former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has described him as a “really talented young man” and believes Amorim’s tactical approach could help unlock his potential. Højlund himself has stated that the 3-4-3 formation employed by Amorim suits his style, reminiscent of his time at Atalanta, where he excelled as a mobile striker.
Danny Webber, a former Premier League striker, has also highlighted Højlund’s attributes, suggesting that with the right tweaks, he could become a 25-30 goal-a-season striker. Højlund’s work rate is undeniable; he averages 24.4 attacking runs per 90 minutes, putting him among the Premier League’s most industrious forwards—outpacing even Erling Haaland in this metric.
Mental Strength and Resilience
Mitchell van der Gaag, United’s former assistant manager, has praised Højlund’s mental strength, emphasising that the pressure of expectations, age, and transfer fee have all contributed to his challenging spell. Van der Gaag remains confident that Højlund will ultimately succeed, provided he receives the right support and guidance.
Højlund’s own words echo this resilience. He has spoken of his determination to repay the faith shown in him by the club and his excitement at working under top coaches. Despite recent transfer speculation, Højlund has stated, “I have a contract until 2030, so I expect to play for Manchester United”.
Transfer Speculation and the Summer Ahead
As the summer transfer window opens, Højlund’s future is uncertain. Interest from Serie A giants Inter Milan and Juventus has been widely reported, with United valuing him at around £40 million—significantly less than the fee paid two years ago. Inter are said to prefer a loan deal, while United are seeking a permanent sale to reinvest in their squad. Napoli have also shown interest, though their focus may have shifted elsewhere.
Closer to home, former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has urged Højlund to consider a move to Aston Villa, arguing that a spell at a club like Villa could help rebuild his confidence and allow him to develop away from the intense spotlight of Old Trafford. There have even been suggestions of a swap deal involving Villa’s Ollie Watkins, though nothing concrete has materialised.
A Striker at a Crossroads
Højlund’s journey at Manchester United has been a microcosm of the club’s recent struggles: flashes of promise overshadowed by inconsistency and a lack of cohesion. The Danish striker remains a player of immense potential, but his development has been hampered by a team in transition and a tactical setup that has often failed to play to his strengths.
As United look to rebuild under Amorim, the decision on Højlund’s future will be pivotal. Should he stay, he will need greater support and a more creative midfield to thrive. If he leaves, United face the challenge of replacing a young striker who, despite his struggles, still has the attributes to become one of Europe’s best.For now, Højlund stands at a crossroads—his next move could define both his career and Manchester United’s fortunes in the seasons to come.
Conclusion:
Rasmus Højlund’s time at Manchester United has encapsulated the challenges faced by young, high-profile signings in the Premier League. While his goal tally has not matched early expectations, much of his struggle stems from a lack of consistent support and creativity within the team. Despite these setbacks, Højlund’s work rate, movement, and underlying statistics indicate a player with significant potential who has yet to reach his peak.
As United enter a crucial rebuilding phase, the decision over Højlund’s future will be telling. If given patience and a more stable, creative environment, he could still develop into a top Premier League striker. However, with transfer speculation swirling and the club under pressure to deliver results, his next steps—whether staying at Old Trafford or moving on—will be pivotal for both his career and United’s ambitions. The coming months will determine if Højlund’s Manchester chapter is one of unfulfilled promise or the start of a remarkable turnaround.
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