Ferdinand issues verdict on Man Utd-bound Hojlund with Liverpool comparison
Rio Ferdinand claims Rasmus Hojlund is "suited to the Premier League" ahead of his £72million move to Manchester United.
Hojlund, 20, will be announced as a United player imminently after travelling to England to complete a medical. The Red Devils have agreed a transfer fee with Atalanta, paying £64m up front with the rest coming in add-ons, and personal terms with the striker.
United are taking a huge risk with Hojlund due to his modest goal record. The Dane scored just nine Serie A goals for Atalanta last season and remains unproven at the highest level, although he has scored six times in six senior caps for his country.
Yet Ferdinand is confident Hojlund will be a success in England. The United legend has also urged fans not to judge their new striker too quickly, as he's concerned it could take him a while to find his feet at Old Trafford - just like Darwin Nunez at Liverpool.
Nunez, 24, scored just nine Premier League goals for the Reds last season following his £85m move from Portuguese giants Benfica. It's hoped the Uruguay international will enjoy a vintage campaign under Jurgen Klopp at the second attempt.
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"The first thing you've got to look at is there's huge potential," said TNT Sports pundit Ferdinand. "Anyone who has seen him play will see there are attributes there that you would like. He's suited to the Premier League. I think the price tag is out of his hands.
Rio Ferdinand has discussed Man Utd's striker search
Rasmus Hojlund is on the brink of arriving at Old Trafford (PA)Do you agree with Rio Ferdinand? Let us know in the comments below!
"I look at it like Darwin Nunez from Liverpool. Last season was his adjusting season. He's a young striker coming to the league, everything about him fits the Premier League perfectly, but it didn't go as well as he would have liked.
"But I think this season, we'll see a different player for Liverpool... I wouldn't be surprised if that (a slow campaign) happens with Hojlund, although I'd like him to have a better season than Nunez obviously. He may well do but it will take time to adjust.
"The quality is there but you're always going to be paying big bucks - it's Manchester United and English tax. That's what happens."
United have been searching for a striker ever since Cristiano Ronaldo left the club by mutual consent in November. They signed Wout Weghorst on loan from Burnley in January, but he failed to score in the Premier League during his half-season spell.
"We make progress," said Erik ten Hag when quizzed on United's striker hunt last month. "But you know how it works - when we have him, we will tell you directly. The only thing I can say is we do everything that's in our power to get that done.
"If it was up to me, as soon as possible. The earlier the better because we have to integrate him in the team, the way of play. In an ideal situation, he was already here but you do not always get ideal situations as a manager and you have to deal with the situation."
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