08 August 2023 , 09:13
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Rasmus Hojlund has explained how conversations with ‘agent’ Christian Eriksen and Peter Schmeichel helped convince him to join Manchester United.
Hojlund is United’s third signing of the summer transfer window after joining from Atalanta. Attack-minded midfielder Mason Mount completed his move to Old Trafford earlier this summer before the club also moved to sign goalkeeper Andre Onana from Inter Milan.
The 20-year-old has signed a five-year contract with an option of a further 12 months with United paying the Serie A club £72million for his services. Erik ten Hag had been searching for a new centre forward all summer, with Anthony Martial the only recognised senior striker at the club.
Hojlund impressed in his debut season in Bergamo having joined from Sturm Graz last summer. He bagged nine goals and provided four assists in Serie A while also impressing his nation in the European Championships qualifiers.
He has now explained how chats with Denmark teammate Eriksen proved influential in his decision to move to Old Trafford, despite interest from a host of clubs across Europe including Paris Saint-Germain – who had made a late move for the striker.
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Speaking to United’s club website, Hojlund explained: “We speak a little [already]. He called himself Agent Christian in the national team!
Hojlund was presented to Man Utd fans ahead of Saturday's friendly victory over Lens (Manchester United via Getty Imag) Have Your Say! How many goals will Hojlund score for Man Utd this season ? Tell us what you think here.
“It was quite funny because we spoke a little bit about the club already and he knew I was a United fan back then, so we spoke a little bit about it. He also helped me in the beginning here, showing me around Carrington today. Yeah, he’s a good guy.”
Another Denmark cult hero who is associated with United is former goalkeeper Schmeichel, who starred at Old Trafford in the 1990s. Hojlund has added how the two have also spoken about his switch to United.
“Yeah, he's great. He’s a legend of the game in Denmark,” Hojlund continued. “[He is] The best goalkeeper we’ve had in the history of the Danish national team so you cannot run away from it and a Treble winner.
“I’ve also spoken to him a few times about Manchester. And he’s a good guy. Everybody knows how he is. He’s a tough guy, but he’s a good guy.”
Speaking back in January, Hojlund revealed his preference for joining United: “Now that you ask, I will not hide the fact that I am a huge Manchester United fan. So personally, it would be one of the biggest things for me, but of course, that doesn’t mean that I would turn down other big clubs if the offers come at some point.”