Manchester United omit Hojlund from Arsenal game; what’s next for the 22-year-old striker?

Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has not been included in the matchday squad for the club’s Premier League opening game against Arsenal. Hojlund had a forgetful 2024/25 season, following which Ruben Amorin and Co. brought in new attackers to Old Trafford in the summer transfer window.

Hojlund’s future was always a talking point, and it became further uncertain after the inclusion of Benjamin Sesko, who will start from the bench against the Gunners.

United may have pulled the plug on Hojlund

United signed Hojlund two seasons ago at a whopping cost of £72 million from Atalanta. The player was brought in to improve the goal-scoring tally of the team, but he has only managed to score 14 goals in 63 appearances thus far. The 22-year-old struggled immensely in the 2024/25 season, scoring just 4 goals in the Premier League.

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Unfazed by the past, Hojlund showed some promising signs in the pre-season games and had recently conveyed that he wants to stay at Old Trafford. But not getting a place even on the bench for the game against Arsenal is a sign that the club has given up on him and desires to sell him. If It turns out to be the case, then one may wonder where the Danish international could he headed next.

Where could Rasmus Hojlund move next?

According to ESPN, AC Milan have shown interest in a season-long loan deal for Hojlund, with an option to make the deal permanent next summer. As Hojlund is quite young and pacey, moreover, possesses many other ideal striker characteristics, more interest from across Europe can emerge. Plus, one can never write off Saudi clubs. However, so far no interest has been shown by any club from that part of the world.

It will be interesting to note whether United will sell the player, send him on a loan deal, or give him another chance, as he will add depth to the squad. The next couple of weeks will showcase what the future holds for Rasmus Hojlund.