Hojlund left out of United squad for Arsenal clash

Rasmus Hojlund faces an uncertain future after being left out of Manchester United's squad for the season opener.

Hojlund Excluded as United Face Arsenal

Manchester United left Rasmus Hojlund out of the squad to face Arsenal in the season opener, a move that hints at a possible departure after a challenging spell at Old Trafford. The 22-year-old forward joined United for around £72 million in 2023 and has posted 10 goals in 52 appearances, a return that has kept the club seeking forward options this summer.

United have since added Benjamin Sesko for around £74 million to bolster the attack and have signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, expanding the forward pool alongside a new left-back in Diego Leon. Hojlund had publicly insisted he wanted to stay and fight for his place, but manager Ruben Amorim has described him as one of several options and indicated the market remained open for the squad. Reports link AC Milan with a loan move that would include a buy option, while Hojlund himself is understood to be reluctant about a move to Leipzig.

The omission signals United prioritizing immediate forward impact over developing a still-young striker. It underscores the club’s willingness to reshuffle a battle-tested front line in a window where big fees are already invested in new players. If Hojlund exits, United could still backfill with multiple options, but the move risks unsettling a player who has shown promise yet struggled for consistency.

This episode also highlights the volatility of the transfer market. Clubs can pay large sums and still pivot quickly as the season unfolds, balancing budget realities with sporting ambition. For Hojlund, the current dynamic raises questions about development, motivation, and the pressure on young players when opportunities are tied to market timing rather than a clear career path.

Highlights

Markets move fast when transfer deadlines loom and every decision sends a message about a club’s ambitions.