Why does Manchester United want to sell Rasmus Højlund?
Discover the real reasons behind his struggles, lack of impact, and United’s decision to move him on.
When Manchester United signed Rasmus Højlund for €78 million on a five-year deal in 2023, the plan was clear: he was supposed to lead the attack for the next decade. At just 20 years old, he was seen as a striker full of potential, a long-term solution compared to established stars. Fast forward two years, however, and United are already pushing him out. What went wrong?
A Young Striker Under Heavy Pressure
From the start, expectations were sky-high. Rasmus Højlund arrived with comparisons to Erling Haaland and a price tag that weighed heavily on his shoulders. Yet, he had never scored more than 20 goals in a season before his Old Trafford move. Naturally, when he struggled in his first months, fans and pundits called him a flop.
But the reality was more nuanced. Rasmus Højlund shone in the Champions League, scoring five goals in his first four appearances against big clubs like Bayern Munich and Galatasaray. Once he broke his Premier League duck, he even went on a hot streak, scoring in six consecutive games and winning the Player of the Month award in February 2024. Clearly, there was talent—just not patience.
United’s Lack of Stability
Manchester United’s environment is not ideal for a young player to grow. The club is desperate to return to glory, and patience is running thin. Players are expected to deliver immediately, with little room for development. In such a demanding and sometimes toxic atmosphere, even promising talents can collapse under the weight of expectations.
By signing Benjamin Šeško and bringing in other options like Cunha and Zirkzee, United signaled that Rasmus Højlund is now surplus to requirements. Rasmus Højlund’s exclusion from the squad in the opening game against Arsenal sent a clear message—he’s no longer part of the club’s future plans.
Numbers That Don’t Lie
Beyond the environment, the statistics paint a worrying picture. In 52 appearances last season, Rasmus Højlund scored just 10 goals. Even more concerning is his output as a striker:
- Shots per 90 minutes: 1.44 – among the lowest for center-forwards in Europe.
- Assists in 62 league games: Only 2.
- Progressive passes per 90: 0.81 – far from impactful in build-up play.
- Successful dribbles per game: 0.4 – not enough for a modern forward.
- Touches in the opposition box: 3.3 per 90 – less than some midfielders.
When compared to teammates like Zirkzee, who not only shoots more but also contributes to build-up play and defensive work, Rasmus Højlund’s weaknesses stand out sharply.
The End of the Road?
Despite his struggles, Rasmus Højlund is not without talent. His pace, physical presence, and ability to score in Europe show that he has the tools to succeed. Perhaps what he really needs is a fresh start in a calmer environment—one where development is valued over instant success.
For Manchester United, however, the conclusion seems clear. They need immediate impact, not potential. And for Højlund, this could mean the end of his Old Trafford journey just two years after it began.
Will Rasmus Højlund rediscover his form elsewhere? Only time will tell.