Hojlund's fight to answer Man Utd's striker question

For what feels like an eternity, the question of who truly leads the line for Manchester United has lingered, a recurring headache for managers and fans alike. Despite significant investment across other areas of the squad, a definitive, long-term solution at the number nine position has remained elusive. This summer, the familiar carousel of elite strikers, from Harry Kane to Victor Osimhen, dominated transfer headlines, fueling speculation about a marquee signing to spearhead Erik ten Hag’s evolving attack. Yet, as the window drew to a close, United’s answer emerged not as a seasoned goal machine, but as a prodigious 20-year-old Dane: Rasmus Hojlund. His arrival signifies a calculated gamble, placing immense responsibility on shoulders barely out of their teenage years, challenging him to prove he can indeed be the solution to Old Trafford's most pressing attacking conundrum.

Hojlund arrives at Old Trafford not as the finished article, but as a raw, exciting talent brimming with potential. His rapid ascent from Sturm Graz to Atalanta, and then to one of the world's biggest clubs, speaks volumes about his inherent ability and the tantalising glimpses he offered in Serie A. Blessed with blistering pace, formidable strength, and an relentless work rate, Hojlund possesses the physical attributes tailor-made for the Premier League. He thrives on running in behind defences, offers a strong presence in the box, and demonstrates an eagerness to press from the front – qualities highly valued by Ten Hag. However, his relatively modest goal return in Italy and his limited top-flight experience underscore that this is a project, albeit one with an immediate, high-stakes brief. The expectation isn't merely to develop; it's to deliver in a shirt burdened by history and the weight of a club desperate to return to its former glories.