Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund came agonizingly close to scoring a vital goal in last month’s Europa League final, only for his header to be heroically cleared off the line by Micky van de Ven in a stunning piece of defending.
TNT Sports commentator Ally McCoist claimed the young Dane should’ve done better with the chance, though fellow pundit Darren Fletcher offered a more sympathetic view, calling Hojlund possibly the “most unlucky number nine” United has ever had—especially after his goal was controversially ruled out on the final day against Aston Villa.
Whether due to his own limitations or broader team issues, Hojlund hasn’t made the impact expected of a £64m signing. After tearing through Galatasaray in October 2023, his form has faded dramatically.
Struggling with confidence and supply, the 22-year-old ended the 2024/25 season with just 10 goals in all competitions—only four of which came in the league—despite missing just six clear-cut chances.
That stat suggests the issue may be more with the lack of service than his finishing, perhaps reflecting a deeper disconnect with teammates.
Although he was United’s top scorer in 2023/24, his lack of progress has tested the club’s patience.
United Eyeing Hojlund Replacement
Hojlund may want to stay and fight for his place, but a return to Italy looks likely, with Inter Milan reportedly interested in bringing him back to Serie A.
As United prepare to move on from their current No. 9, they’ve been targeting Viktor Gyökeres—but the Swedish striker is embroiled in a dispute with Sporting CP, who seem to be walking back their previous willingness to let him leave for €70m (£59m).
With things getting complicated in Lisbon, United’s new sporting director Jason Wilcox is exploring other options. According to TEAMtalk, talks have taken place with the representatives of Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović.
Vlahović’s agents reportedly reached out to express interest in a move, with the 25-year-old eager to make a switch to the Premier League. While he may not be Ruben Amorim’s top priority, discussions have been described as “positive,” keeping the door open for a future deal.
Amorim appears more focused on reuniting with Gyökeres, but if that falls through, Vlahović could be a solid alternative—potentially available for just €30m (£26m).
Comparing Vlahović and Gyökeres
United may be wary of shopping in Serie A again after disappointing returns from back-to-back striker signings: Hojlund in 2023 and Joshua Zirkzee in 2024. The duo combined for just seven league goals last season.
Though Vlahović only managed 10 Serie A goals in 2024/25 (15 across all competitions), his career totals tell a different story. Since 2020/21, he has scored 81 top-flight goals across Fiorentina and Juventus, plus six the season prior.
That scoring pedigree has seen him labeled a “goal machine” by scout Antonio Mango, and a “generational talent” by writer Emmet Gates. At 6’4″, he’s a powerful physical presence, much like the 6’2″ Gyökeres.
Both players are known for their long-range shooting ability—Vlahović has four free-kick goals between 2022 and 2024, while Gyökeres netted three in the past season. They’re also capable penalty-box strikers, ranking high for touches inside the box across Europe.
Though Vlahović is left-footed and Gyökeres right-footed, both share key attributes: physicality, technical ability, and a knack for scoring solo goals—something Hojlund hasn’t been able to offer consistently.
If landing Gyökeres proves too difficult, United may have already opened the door to the next best option in Vlahović—a proven striker still young, hungry, and ready for the Premier League spotlight.
