‘Man United set to finalise Rasmus Hojlund deal as Nicolas Jackson interest builds’
Manchester United’s need for a goalscorer is no secret but now they look set to push for a surprise solution.
The Red Devils sank to 15th in the Premier League table last season — their lowest finish since they were relegated in 1974 — with just 11 wins and 42 points.
Their total of 44 goals scored was better than only Everton and the bottom three, and is their lowest return since that 1974 relegation.
Strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee managed just four and three league strikes, respectively, while the club’s top scorers were Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes on eight each — the latter netting three of those from the penalty spot.
Man United eyeing shock Nicolas Jackson deal
The likes of Ollie Watkins and Bryan Mbeumo have been linked to Old Trafford as a solution for Ruben Amorim’s goalscoring crisis, while Matheus Cunha has already been signed from Wolves.
But now, United look set to attempt a more surprising solution to their striker woes in the form of Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, according to The Times.
Jackson cost Chelsea an initial £32million from Villarreal two years ago and has since netted 30 goals in 81 appearances for the Blues across all competitions.
However, Jackson failed to score at the Club World Cup this summer, while Chelsea have spent big on Joao Pedro and Liam Delap who, between them, registered four goals and an assist at the competition.
While not actively trying to sell Jackson, it’s understood Chelsea would be open to offers and Man United are reportedly one of the clubs keeping track of proceedings, alongside AC Milan and Aston Villa.
Jackson move would spell the end for Rasmus Hojlund
Football Insider verdict
Should United move to sign Jackson or any other striker, it would surely spell the end of Rasmus Hojlund’s time at Old Trafford.
The Denmark international was signed for a massive £72million from Atalanta in 2023 (Sky Sports, 6 August 2023), in the hope he could quickly develop into an elite Premier League centre-forward.
That has not transpired, with the 22-year-old registering just 14 goals in 62 league outings for the Red Devils. Across all competitions, Hojlund has only managed 26 goals and four assists in 95 appearances during his United career.
Hojlund is now heavily linked with a move away from United, with Serie A champions Napoli one of the sides most prominently mentioned.
Zirkzee has been equally disappointing at Old Trafford, but is likely to be given another chance, having only been at the club for a year.
Alongside Hojlund, the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony could all leave Manchester United this summer.