Exclusive: Ten Hag keen to reunite with Man Utd star who’s struggling under Amorim | OneFootball

Erik ten Hag is plotting a reunion with Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund who looks bound to leave the club this summer.

The Dane signed for the Premier League giants in the summer of 2023 on a deal that earned Atalanta £72 million.

The 22-year-old’s first season at Old Trafford was decent if not spectacular. But while he was expected to make a leap in this second campaign, it turned out to be a massive disappointment, as he only managed to score four goals in the Premier League throughout the campaign, while also enduring a 21-match drought in all competitions between December and March.

Therefore, United have been searching the market for a new centre-forward who can be an upgrade on the ‘sloppy’ Dane, and they have recently initiated contacts for Ruben Amorim’s old pupil, Viktor Gyokeres.

Man United already searching for Hojlund replacement

Hojlund has regressed in his sophomore season in England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

In the meantime, Hojlund emerged as a target for Inter Milan who are desperate to add some depth to their attacking department. The defeated Champions League finalists have also enquired about Joshua Zirkzee.

But according to sources close to Stretty News, the Serie A giants will face competition from Bayer Leverkusen who have recently appointed Ten Hag as their new head coach.

Why Ten Hag wants Hojlund at Leverkusen

The Dutch manager believes he can help Hojlund fulfil his early promise away from the pressure that stems from playing at Old Trafford. The stats also suggest that the player used to be more effective in front of the goal with the former Ajax coach in charge.

However, Inter and Leverkusen aren’t alone in the race, as the former Atalanta man remains very popular in Italy, with AC Milan, Napoli and Juventus also following the situation, and he also has other admirers in Germany, particularly in Eintracht Frankfurt, RB Leipzig, and Borussia Dortmund.

It should be noted that Inter have proposed to sign Hojlund on an initial loan deal with an option to buy in 2026, but Man United prefer to sell the player outright. Hence, if Leverkusen are open to a permanent transfer, they should have the advantage in the race.

In addition to the Danish striker, Ten Hag is reportedly interested in reunions with United stars, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony, who are both available on the market.