Hojlund's game in his own words
What can Manchester United fans expect from new striker signing Rasmus Hojlund when he appears for the club?
The 20-year-old Dane has burst quickly on to the world football scene, particularly since signing for Atalanta from Sturm Graz last August.
But Hojlund is still at the very start of his journey in the sport and many may not have had the opportunity to see him play – obviously he’s yet to feature at a major international tournament, or in the Champions League group stages.
Fortunately, the former Copenhagen man is an eloquent talker when it comes to discussing his game and what he can offer to Erik ten Hag’s side.
“[I’m] physical, passionate, and let's go with fast,” he told United’s Harry Robinson, before going into a little more detail about his varying roles in Italy and with Denmark.
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“In Atalanta, we played a lot off the sides as well. As a wide striker, you would say [it’s about] build-up play, hold-up play but, when I'm with the national team, I'm more of the target nine, an inside-the-box striker.
“So it's definitely two different kind of roles that I've had before so I hope that I can fit into the system.
“I think I can, that's why I've decided to come here, so I just have to hear what the boss is saying.”
Rasmus joins Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in being able to play both wide and through the middle, while Jadon Sancho also impressed during pre-season as the spearhead of the attack after previously featuring on the wings.
However, Hojlund has flourished as a central striker for the national team, scoring an impressive six goals in six games since he made his debut last autumn, and could add an extra dynamic to the attack from this area – depending, of course, on where Ten Hag deploys him.
“[With Denmark] it's more like in between the six-yard box, working with the small movements and just focusing about making the goals, being the target no.9,” he explained.
“So, I feel like I always have the confidence, both in bad and good times, but it's definitely two different kind of roles I've been playing.
“But I like to say I can score goals in both ways. I like to say that I can also finish with my right foot even though I'm left-footed.
“I like to dribble more with my left than my right, but the finishing, it should be alright with both feet.”
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Most importantly, Rasmus sees himself as an all-round striker and, just from hearing him speak as a United player for the first time, it’s clear that he fits Ten Hag’s preference when it comes to characters in the squad.
“I think winning is the most important,” he said. “I always go onto the pitch with the mentality of winning and of course, my role is to score goals and help with what the manager wants.
“So if that's hold-up play, if that's scoring goals, if that's pressing, these are some things, I want to do all of them.”
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