"My goal is to reach the top shelf" - Manchester United target Rasmus Hojlund addresses transfer rumours with brilliant statement
Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund has dropped a major hint on his stance regarding a potential move to Manchester United this summer.
According to Manchester Evening News, Hojlund is one of various transfer targets being pursued by Erik ten Hag ahead of the summer. He has had a breakthrough debut season with Atalanta, scoring ten goals and providing four assists in 34 games across competitions.
Hojlund's performances have caught the eye of Manchester United, who are in need of a centre-forward. He was recently asked by Danish outlet Berlingske to address reports linking him with a move to the Red Devils. The 20-year-old replied:
"It's (Man United) a huge club, so I must have done something right if it says they want me. My goal is to reach the top shelf, and you can say that Manchester United are. So it will be huge."
Hojlund is quick and is a decent finisher in the final third. He can do better when it comes to holding up the ball and linking up play, but those are skills he can pick up as he progresses in his career.
The Denmark international will have four years left in his contract with La Dea at the end of the month. According to Footballtransfers.com (h/t CaughtOffside), he could cost around £60 million.
Pundit urges Manchester United to replace David de Gea as No. 1
Former player Gary Neville has urged Manchester United to sign a new goalkeeper who could displace David de Gea from the starting XI.
The Spanish goalkeeper has been the club's first-choice custodian since his move from Atletico Madrid 12 years ago. However, his recent struggles were on full display in the recently concluded campaign, where he made many high-profile errors.
The most recent one came in the 2-1 FA Cup final loss against Manchester City on June 3. The 32-year-old was slow to react to Ilkay Gundogan's tame weak-footed volley in the second half, which proved to be the winning goal on the day.
Talking about the same, Neville told Metro (via Punditfeed.com):
"That Cup final against Manchester City said it to us all. I don’t like mentioning it too much. but the second goal shouldn’t have gone in the back of the net.
"The reality of it is: David de Gea has had a great career at Manchester United; he has been a fantastic goalkeeper. But now is the time for him to be challenged and get someone in to be that no. 1."
De Gea's current deal expires this month, but he's expected to sign a new contract. United, meanwhile, have been linked with a move for Everton's Jordan Pickford.