03 August 2023 , 14:58
563
0
Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini admitted that Rasmus Hojlund has "similar characteristics" to those of Erling Haaland in a glowing endorsement of the incoming Manchester United forward.
Hojlund touched down in Manchester on Tuesday ahead of undergoing a medical as he prepares to sign a five-year contract with an option of a further 12 months. Erik ten Hag's Red Devils are set to pay Atalanta an initial fee of £64million plus up to £8m in performance-based add-ons.
There are some concerns about Hojlund's inexperience, having played less than 90 professional games since his debut for Copenhagen in October 2020. The Dane also notched just 10 goals in 34 appearances for Atalanta last season following his move from Sturm Graz last summer.
However, Gasperini has no doubts about Hojlund's ability. Not long after the 20-year-old had signed, Atalanta boss Gasperini sung the praises of the striker - and he was very much aware of the quality he had at his disposal.
"From the very first training sessions we were convinced that he has good characteristics for a boy who is only 19 years old," Gasperini said. "He has a bright future. He is very smart, I hope to help him grow and give him improvements that can help him."
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
Hojlund was confined to a place on the substitutes' bench at the start of his Atalanta career as he played second-fiddle to usual starter Duvan Zapata. But, due to injuries and poor form from the Colombian, Hojlund found himself with an opportunity in the XI and he took it with both hands.
Rasmus Hojlund is closing in on a move to Manchester United (Getty Images)After scoring in four successive matches in January, Hojlund secured a regular starting spot in the team for the remainder of the season as Atalanta finished the campaign in sixth. And after a 2-0 win over Lazio in January where Hojlund scored twice, Gasperini compared him to that of Manchester City's Haaland.
"Hojlund has this spirit, energy, intensity, but also technical quality that is just remarkable," Gasperini said. "He still has so much margin for improvement, too.
"He has very similar characteristics to Haaland, not just his face. He is so quick, he's under 11 seconds over 100m and that's not even trying very hard. Considering his height, he has a low centre of gravity and can move his legs very fast. I am convinced he’ll have a great career, he just gets stronger every day."
United fans will be pleased if Hojlund can replicate even half of what Haaland achieved at City last season. The Norweigan struck 52 times in 53 matches in all competitions for Pep Guardiola's side as they lifted the treble, with Haaland going on to win the Golden Boot and the Premier League Player of the Season in the process.