Rasmus Hojlund is reportedly set to be left out of Manchester United’s squad to face Arsenal today amid ongoing speculation about his future.
The 22-year-old is believed to have been told that his game-time this season will be limited by Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim following the signing of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
Hojlund has been linked with Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus, as well as RB Leipzig and a number of sides in the Premier League including Fulham and Newcastle.
But he’s thought to be keen to prove himself at Old Trafford after a dire season which saw him net just 4 goals in 32 appearances.
However it seems the Dane may not be afforded such an opportunity as, according to The Athletic, he’s set to exiled from today’s matchday squad.
It comes after Hojlund didn’t feature for a single minute in United’s final pre-season friendly at home to Fiorentina last weekend.
Rasmus Hojlund has reportedly been dropped from today’s matchday squad to face Arsenal
Ruben Amorim is thought to have told the Dane he will struggle for opportunities this term
When asked about the striker’s future in Friday’s press conference, Amorim said: ‘He’s one more option, we will see. We are focused on this game and Rasmus is still our player.’
Hojlund was also asked about speculation regarding a possible exit during United’s pre-season tour of the States, telling reporters: ‘I think the most important thing for me is just to keep working hard and stay focused and then obviously we’ll see what happens.
‘I think my plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens. I’m still very young. I think people forget sometimes that I’m only 22.
‘Obviously not every striker is scoring 100 goals at the age of 22. But I’ve learned a lot, I think you can see in my game. I’m starting to develop and become even better in the basics.
‘Competition is fine with me, it sharpens me. I’m more than ready, I’m feeling sharp so I’m welcoming everything that comes. I think it’s good with competition and it only sharpens the team.’
United are indeed boasting a much improved frontline this term with the additions of Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo.
Whether all three new recruits will be afforded their debuts from the start remains to be seen, with the likes of Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkee and Amad Diallo providing competition.
They face an Arsenal side also boasting a host of exciting new signings.
Mikel Arteta has strengthened his side with the additions of Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Christian Mosquera, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard.
All eyes will no-doubt be on Gyokeres as he goes up his former boss and the club who rivalled the Gunners for his signauture.
