Man Utd team-mates not passing to Rasmus Hojlund, squad concern and Ruben Amorim admission

With Manchester United splashing the cash on Benjamin Sesko, Rasmus Hojlund has essentially been told to pack his bags. The Danish striker, 22, has mustered just 26 goals over two years for the Red Devils.

Ruben Amorim's arsenal has been significantly bolstered during this window, with over £200million spent on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and now athletic marksman Sesko, whose £74m arrival was announced last weekend. With so many ins, there must be outs, and one name who looks all but certain to depart is Hojlund.

Despite decreeing in pre-season that he would remain and fight for his spot at Old Trafford no matter what, a sharp change in tune has been reported, with the likes of AC Milan lining up to take on the £72m man. While an expected exit has only materialised this summer, Hojlund's ability has been leaving people unconvinced for some time.

He arrived fresh-faced in 2023, having looked a raw but talented prospect for Serie A side Atalanta. Some immediately baulked at his price tag, as he had only scored 10 times for the Italian side, and it continued to loom as he settled in under Erik ten Hag.

Hojlund took until December to score his first Premier League goal, raising further doubts. Heading into early 2024, after a barren run of just one goal in 10 matches, worrying rumours spilled from Old Trafford.

It was reported in May of 2024 that some of the striker's team-mates were reluctant to pass Hojlund the ball during matches, as they were concerned about his finishing abilities. These suggestions were denied by the club.

Although his debut campaign saw him register a modest 16 goals across all competitions, last season saw a significant drop-off and lack of trust from new boss Amorim. Hojlund netted just four times in the top flight as United finished 15th.

Hojlund was bullish when this pre-season arrived, declaring last month that he would fight for his place in Manchester. But after Sesko's services were secured, an interview given by United's head coach and a telling team selection acted as a coup de grâce.

Sesko was presented to the Old Trafford faithful last Saturday before a pre-season friendly against Fiorentina, which ended 1-1, and Amorim was asked about his new signing, dishing out a sucker punch in Hojlund's direction.

"He has the characteristics that we needed," Amorim told MUTV regarding Sesko, suggesting that Hojlund does not possess such attributes. "Ben is a player that, with all the information that we have, we need to stop the guy from working - it is not the opposite!

"That is also important. He is really young, he is good in the air, he is good running the channels and he is good on the ball, so I think he has great potential.

"I think he can improve a lot. For sure, he is going to feel at home in our club. He is the right character in this group so we are really, really happy to have him."

A second blow was dealt when it came to team selections. Even with new recruit Sesko ineligible, Amorim opted for usual midfielder Mason Mount as a false nine instead of Hojlund.

This move essentially signalled Hojlund's exit and absence from Amorim's plans, and talkSPORT have reported that he has come to terms with a move away after his pre-season plea fell on deaf ears.

Milan looks the most likely destination, with it being suggested a fee in the region of £30m could be enough to get a deal done. What is almost certain is that Hojlund's nightmare in Manchester will soon come to an end, and for potentially less than half of what he was purchased for.

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