Man Utd told former flop has become ‘the next Erling Haaland’ after transfer

· Mirror

Manchester United have struggled to sign a consistent striker over recent seasons but one of those they allowed to leave continues to shine away from Old Trafford

Former Manchester United flop Rasmus Hojlund has become Denmark’s Erling Haaland following an eye-catching turnaround, according to his manager. The Danish forward has been in standout form over the past few seasons.

He scored 16 goals for Napoli last season, leading to a permanent switch to Italy, while he has also found the net twice this term. That form has continued for his country, having scored three goals in four appearances for Denmark over the international break which included a winning penalty against Wales.

And boss Brian Riemer has now suggested that Hojlund is now as valuable to the nation as Haaland is to Manchester City and Norway.

> "Rasmus Hojlund has taken the throne," Riemer told TV2 Sport. "The Norwegians may not think he is Erling Haaland, but he is for us. I just have to give him huge praise for what he delivers."

Riemer is not the only to have praised Hojlund for his performances. Teammate Rasmus Kristensen has claimed that the forward is now in the best form of his career.

> He said: "I have never seen him better. In all four games he has delivered significant and fantastic performances for us. He is a monster. > > “Some of the things he previously felt he could not put together on the national team, he has really done in the last four games. Decidedly outstanding.”

Hojlund has also spoken out in the aftermath of his winning penalty against Wales. Explaining his technique, he said: "I have tried to train on my penalty, and I think that it is important as an attacker to be good at it.

> “It is a responsibility I would like to have on me, so I have trained on it. It is name of the game. That's how it is when the goalkeepers try to make feints and that kind of thing, then I feel that you have to give a little back.”

On taking on a more senior role with his nation, he added: "I have some personality, and I want to share what I have. My age speaks against me a bit, but I have played at the biggest venues, in the biggest stadiums, and I have been to a final round. I am ready to take on that role and keep putting in the work.”

Hojlund initially joined Man Utd for £72m from Atalanta. He scored 26 goals in 95 outings for the Red Devils before joining Napoli in an initial loan deal, while the move was made permanent for a considerable loss.

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