AC Milan have proposed a season-long loan worth £4million for out of favour Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund.
Ruben Amorim left the Dane on the bench as an unused substitute in United’s final pre-season friendly match against Fiorentina at Old Trafford.
It was the clearest sign yet to the player that Amorim does not intend to use him going forward, added to the fact that new £73.7million striker Benjamin Sesko was unveiled on the pitch before kick-off after signing from RB Leipzig last week.
United are prepared to sell Hojlund for as little as £30m, but Daily Mail Sport understands that AC Milan are seeking a loan deal for the 2025-26 season.
The Italian side have offered a £4m loan fee, with the potential for a £39m option to buy if Hojlund impresses back in Italy, where United signed him from back in 2023.
Hojlund is eager to stay and fight his place but Saturday’s snub was the clearest indicator yet that he does not feature in Amorim’s plans going forward.
Ruben Amorim (right) sent a message to Rasmus Hojlund (left) by leaving him out on Saturday
The £73.7m move for Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig pushes Hojlund down the striker order
The Dane was overlooked as midfielder Mason Mount started through the middle as a false No 9.
Afterward the match, which United won on penalties, Amorim admitted: ‘At times we struggled without the reference as a striker… we have a new striker now.’
Hojlund now has a decision to make with United out of Europe and having just one game per week, opening the prospect of limited minutes, or none at all.
‘I think my plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot whatever happens,’ Hojlund said after scoring in the 4-1 win over Bournemouth in Chicago during the US pre-season tour.
‘Competition is fine with me, it sharpens me,’ he added.
‘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.
‘I’m still very young. I think people forget that sometimes, 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.
Hojlund, who has scored 26 goals in 95 appearances for United since signing from Atalanta in the summer of 2023, has watched on all summer as his club sought a new No 9 to lead the line.
Hojlund has scored 26 goals in 95 appearances for Man United since signing from Atalanta
United have overhauled in attack with Sesko joining Bryan Mbeumo (second from left) and Matheus Cunha (far right) arriving this summer for more than £130million
Hojlund spoke during Man United’s pre-season tour of how he wants to fight for his place
United lost out on top target Liam Delap to Chelsea, while they also enquired about Viktor Gyokores and Hugo Ekitike, who ended up at Arsenal and Liverpool respectively.
But on the eve of the new season they made a major statement of intent by landing Sesko from RB Leipzig.
Sesko turned down Newcastle United to become the new figurehead for Amorim’s revamped attack, which has also added Matheus Cunha (£62.5m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£71m).
Sesko said: ‘When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon.’
United finished 15th in the Premier League last season, but that has not deterred Sesko as he signed a five-year contract.
‘From the moment that I arrived, I could feel the positive energy and family environment that the club has created. It is clearly the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfil all of my ambitions.
‘The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future,’ he added.
United remain in the market to add another midfielder and have made contact with Carlos Baleba’s representatives but that has not endeared them to his club Brighton, who have no desire to sell.
