Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has made a bold statement, insisting that he is not concerned by the club’s pursuit of RB Leipzig’s £70 million-rated forward Benjamin Sesko. Instead, Hojlund believes that the signing of a new centre-forward would simply “sharpen” him.
United are actively chasing a new striker, with Sesko and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins both reported targets. The move would likely challenge Hojlund, who was signed from Atalanta for £72 million two years ago, for the first-choice striker position.
However, Hojlund says he would welcome any new competition, claiming it would “sharpen” him rather than “deflate” him. When asked if he had received any assurances from the club about his position, Hojlund said: “Nothing so far.”
He continued: “I think the most important thing for me is just to keep working hard and stay focused and then obviously we’ll see what happens. I think my plan is very clear and that’s for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens. Competition is fine with me, it sharpens me. I’m more than ready. I’m feeling sharp, so I’m welcoming everything that comes. I think it’s good with competition and it only sharpens the team.”
Hojlund also pointed to his age and development, stating: “I’m still very young. I think people forget that sometimes. I’m only 22. Obviously, not every striker is scoring 100 goals at the age of 22. But I’ve learned a lot, I think you can see in my game. I’m starting to develop and become even better at the basics. Now it’s just about for me to sharpen myself and I’ve done very well in the pre-season, so far. Just focusing on continuing that.”
Last season was a difficult one for both United and Hojlund, with the team finishing in their worst-ever Premier League position of 15th. Hojlund managed only 10 goals in all competitions, including a 21-game stretch where he failed to score.
The Denmark international, who recently scored the opener in United’s 4-1 victory over Bournemouth at Chicago’s Soldier Field, admitted he fell short of expectations last season.
“I think after last season it’s been a bit rough and I’ve tried to sharpen myself over the course of the holidays and I feel very, very good,” said Hojlund. “Obviously it was a tough season for us all. I think I should have done better, I think everybody knows. But I also think it’s a team thing, that we’re going to be better now. I think we’ve shown now in these two games that we’re progressing in the right way and looking forward to what’s coming.”
Hojlund also reflected on the injuries to former teammate Anthony Martial. “When I came, Anthony Martial was there as well. He had a lot of injuries, so I obviously had to take a lot of the game time. That’s just part of it – you’re not going to tell me that I shouldn’t be playing, because I want to play every game. But I could have done with some help in terms of sharing the games a bit, especially in the beginning, but I feel I’ve matured a lot and I feel like I’m ready for what’s coming.”
Hojlund revealed that the close bond he has developed with United and Denmark teammate Patrick Dorgu has helped him cope with the tough times he has faced.
“We have a very good relationship,” said Hojlund. “There’s only one year between us and we have a lot of common friends. We come from the same sort of area in Denmark as well and we’re really starting to bond. I also had a very, very good bond with Christian Eriksen and with Victor Lindelof, but there was a bit of an age gap. It becomes a bit like big brother and little brother, whereas me and Patrick seem a bit more equal in terms of age as well.”
