Report: Man Utd prepared for major loss as Serie A clubs show interest | OneFootball

Man Utd Could Cut £40m Loss on Rasmus Hojlund as Serie A Interest Grows

Rasmus Hojlund’s time at Old Trafford could be drawing to a close, with five Serie A clubs reportedly circling for the 22-year-old striker. As Pete Hall of iNews reports, AC Milan lead the race, while Inter Milan, Roma, Juventus, and Napoli have all approached Hojlund’s representatives.

The Dane’s future has been cast into doubt following Manchester United’s £74m capture of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. Despite Hojlund’s insistence he is “willing to stay and fight for his place”, the reality is that United need to raise funds before the transfer window closes.

Falling Short of a £72m Price Tag

Signed from Atalanta in 2022 for £72m, Hojlund has managed 26 goals in two seasons. While respectable, these numbers haven’t matched the weight of expectation placed on him. Hall notes that “there is sympathy among many at United” given Hojlund’s lack of experience and the fact he was “thrust straight into the first team” without competition.

Photo: IMAGO

Yet the recent emergence of Joshua Zirkzee, the promise of 17-year-old Chido Obi, and manager Rúben Amorim’s still trying to build a team that, perhaps it is the right time to leave.

Italian Interest Remains Strong

Despite his mixed Premier League stint, Hojlund’s stock in Italy is undiminished. Atalanta turned a £57m profit on him in under a year, convincing United he could step up. AC Milan see him as “the perfect central option to boost their goalscoring arsenal”, with Inter, Juventus, Napoli, and Roma all keeping tabs.

Wider Transfer Picture

Hojlund isn’t the only potential departure. Jadon Sancho has attracted interest from Juventus and Inter, while Chelsea’s pursuit of Alejandro Garnacho is progressing, with a £50m fee likely. Any sales could help fund moves for a midfielder—although Brighton’s Carlos Baleba looks expensive—and a young goalkeeper to challenge Andre Onana.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United fan’s perspective, this situation is bittersweet. Many will argue that Hojlund was never truly set up to succeed. Brought in at 20 with raw potential rather than a proven record, he was relied upon as the main goalscorer in a struggling side. Yes, 26 goals in two seasons isn’t elite, but it’s hardly disastrous given the circumstances.

The decision to invest heavily in Sesko signals a shift in strategy—Amorim clearly wants a more mobile, versatile forward. That’s fair enough, but fans might question whether United should have offered Hojlund another year alongside better attacking support.

The financial side can’t be ignored. Taking a £40m hit so soon is painful, especially when squad depth remains thin in certain areas. Some will see it as ruthless and necessary; others will see it as another example of poor recruitment planning.

If he does leave, there will be curiosity about how he fares back in Serie A. The Italian league’s slower pace and tactical focus may suit him better, and there’s every chance he could thrive—possibly leading to regrets in Manchester. For now, fans are left wondering if United are solving a problem or creating a new one.