Football website goal.com reported on Sunday that United manager Ten Hag’s initial shortlist included Tottenham Hotspurs’ Harry Kane, Napoli sensation Victor Osimhen and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani, but the club were priced out of a deal for Kane and Osimhen also proved too expensive.
Hojlund signed a five-year contract with the northern England giants, with an option for another year.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed a breakout 2022-23 season in Serie A, having joined the Bergamo club in August 2022 and scoring 10 goals in 34 matches last term, but time will tell if he is he ready to step up as a world-class No.9 for one of the biggest clubs in global football.
His Atalanta captain, Rafael Toloi, has been gushing in his praise of the Danish frontman and has no doubts the forward, who, importantly, has a willingness to work hard, will make a big impression with his new club.
“Hojlund is a great talent, physically strong and with great speed,” he told goal.com earlier this year.
“He has everything he needs to be great and [has been] working with the right coach and with the right team.”
He has played six times for Denmark and scored six goals for his country, including a hat trick in his full debut during March’s opening Euro 2024 qualifying clash against Finland, after first being capped last year.
ANSA
