Key Man Utd star agrees to leave but Ruben Amorim told to block transfer

Rasmus Højlund reportedly agreed to part ways with United.

The 22-year-old striker had previously expressed his desire to remain at Old Trafford and fight for his spot, even as the club pursued Slovenian forward Benjamin Šeško.

United have now finalized a £74 million deal for Šeško, casting further uncertainty over Højlund’s role in the squad.

Signed for £72 million in 2023, Højlund has struggled to make an impact, managing just four league goals last season.

In United’s final pre-season match against Fiorentina, Amorim left Højlund on the bench and instead deployed Mason Mount as a false nine.

Šeško, newly unveiled to the home crowd, watched from the stands and is expected to feature prominently in the upcoming Premier League opener against Arsenal.

According to talkSPORT, Højlund has now come to terms with the likelihood that his time at United is coming to an end.

AC Milan have shown interest in bringing him back to Serie A, where he previously impressed before his underwhelming stint in England.

Earlier this summer, Højlund turned down a move to RB Leipzig during negotiations involving Šeško, but has since reversed his position and is open to leaving.

United are reportedly seeking £30 million for the Danish forward, though Milan are exploring a loan arrangement as a potential solution.

Former United striker Dimitar Berbatov acknowledged Højlund’s disappointing form but suggested that the arrival of Šeško could serve as motivation if he chooses to stay and compete.

‘I am excited with Sesko going to United, but at the same time I am a bit cautious because Hojlund and Zirkzee were performing great in their previous clubs.

‘I watched how they moved, how they bullied defenders, how they scored goals, but then going to the Premier League, they found it difficult to adjust.

‘And the stats speak for themselves, right? Three goals, four goals, for a striker you are going to be disappointed with yourself.

‘It was difficult campaign for them and it’s a difficult period that they are going through, and now with another striker coming in, of course the competition is going to be high.

‘When you buy a striker now you start to think, “Well am I going to play? Is my place in United? Am I still belonging here? Do I need to start looking for a club?”

‘Or maybe then you start thinking, “Alright, I like the competition. Now I’m going to show you. Now I’m going to fight for my place. Now I’m going to bring the fire.”

‘So it’s a two-way scenario. You choose the one I said or the other. So let’s see what they are going to bring to the table as well.

‘You always want the competition, but at the same time, as a striker, because we think we’re special, you need to feel welcome and wanted in the team, by the coach, by everybody.

‘Then your motivation is going to be higher and your self-esteem is going to be higher. It’s a lot of factors. It’s not easy, but it’s all in the head.’

Fellow former Man United star Mikael Silvestre also believes it would be a mistake to let Hojlund leave before the transfer deadline.

‘Marcus Rashford has gone and there are not a lot of strikers around, Joshua Zirkzee is a different type of striker that doesn’t make those runs in behind the defence,’ Silvestre told Hajper.

‘He is another type of player for certain games, certain opposition. But no, you need competition, need quality, so I wouldn’t rush into sending Rasmus Hojlund out on loan if Sesko signs. Absolutely not.’