Rasmus Højlund | Signed for United

[L1nk]

Don't quite get the logic of this touchy response, nor the reason for being so touchy, but go for it.

I assume it's because people are constantly in this thread saying - he's not good enough or we need a proven striker or this and that - as if the club hasn't tried or isn't looking for proven strikers, or that the club hasn't extensively scouted and profiled Hojlund.

People say these things but offer 0 alternatives or if they do they say shit like we can get Osimhen for a little more than 60mill or that we should get Kane Kane Kane

 

[Ted Lasso]

Not sure what people are expecting with this kid

People are expecting us not to pay £80M for him. Or even £50M. That's it. Don't get fleeced for a raw talent.

 

[OverratedOpinion]

What's so good about Vlahovic? He hasn't been what he was cracked up to be at Juventus. If he hasn't reached expectation in the country he first broke through what hope for him being great at Man United in the PL?

I much prefer Hojlund. I'd prefer an unknown quantity where the ceiling isn't certain to a known quantity that looks to be quite ordinary several years further in development.May as well take the gamble and trust ETH's eye and ability to coach improvement for my money.

If we can't have best in class then go for a talent that maybe can be one day. I don't want to see a weird half way house that just meanders about.

Tbf Vlahovic in the last 3 seasons has scored 21, 30 and then 14 in a down year. Not bad for a 23 year old.

Would definitely be a good shout as far as strikers we could possibly get go.

 

[roonster09]

A video just to help with balance.

That's a terrible video, I mean the idea for the video.

Yes, there should be balance, that's why individual match performance videos should be posted, not the highlights on their best bits but these videos are just nonsense.

Most strikers will average around 70-80% pass completion %, so compile a video of that 20% failed passes and unsuccessful touches and that's it, every player will look shit. You can do this to Harry Kane also.

 

[DutchSerb]

That's a terrible video, I mean the idea for the video.

Yes, there should be balance, that's why individual match performance videos should be posted, not the highlights on their best bits but these videos are just nonsense.

Most strikers will average around 70-80% pass completion %, so compile a video of that 20% failed passes and unsuccessful touches and that's it, every player will look shit. You can do this to Harry Kane also.

That and the fact that they're 2v5 on Milan's half on nearly every clip. Show his Denmark highlights

 

[Apokalips]

I assume it's because people are constantly in this thread saying - he's not good enough or we need a proven striker or this and that - as if the club hasn't tried or isn't looking for proven strikers, or that the club hasn't extensively scouted and profiled Hojlund.

People say these things but offer 0 alternatives or if they do they say shit like we can get Osimhen for a little more than 60mill or that we should get Kane Kane Kane

Why must I offer alternatives? I don't work in the scouting department. I never criticised the club, nor did I say we shouldn't sign him or that he is rubbish. I think those posts where people throw random names and prices are pointless and are just people regurgitating random media links and made up values.

I also never claimed that the club hasn't scouted him extensively or that they are not working on bringing in a more experienced striker alongside him, in fact I am actually baselessly sure that is our plan of action. I am sure the club have tons of names and in mind that the media do not mention, a la Casemiro deal.

I just said that people should calm down with the pressure of expecting this kid to solve our problems and I'd like us to bring in at least 1 proven forward in as well as I don't want Hojlund to be like Antony - people getting carried away and then getting on his back when he's not Shearer incarnate.

 

[DutchSerb]

Tbf Vlahovic in the last 3 seasons has scored 21, 30 and then 14 in a down year. Not bad for a 23 year old.

Would definitely be a good shout as far as strikers we could possibly get go.

I read rumours that Juve lowered the asking price to €65m as well due to him wanting out, but I don't know if the sources are reliable.

 

[Apokalips]

People are expecting us not to pay £80M for him. Or even £50M. That's it. Don't get fleeced for a raw talent.

I meant it in the context that it shouldn't be surprising that he doesn't look like a world class beast in a video of him against big teams because he is a young potential. I thought my post was clearly getting that same sentiment across that we shouldn't pay through the nose for him but apologies if that was not clear somehow.

 

[OverratedOpinion]

I read rumours that Juve lowered the asking price to €65m as well due to him wanting out, but I don't know if the sources are reliable.

I won't claim to watch loads of Juventus games but he looks like a proper finisher and excellent with his back to goal. Given you could make Lukaku look like Van Basten in a highlight video.

 

[L1nk]

Why must I offer alternatives? I don't work in the scouting department. I never criticised the club, nor did I say we shouldn't sign him or that he is rubbish. I think those posts where people throw random names and prices are pointless and are just people regurgitating random media links and made up values.

I also never claimed that the club hasn't scouted him extensively or that they are not working on bringing in a more experienced striker alongside him, in fact I am actually baselessly sure that is our plan of action. I am sure the club have tons of names and in mind that the media do not mention, a la Casemiro deal.

I just said that people should calm down with the pressure of expecting this kid to solve our problems and I'd like us to bring in at least 1 proven forward in as well as I don't want Hojlund to be like Antony - people getting carried away and then getting on his back when he's not Shearer incarnate.

To be fair I was just replying to your question - not that you were necessarily who I was talking about

 

[Apokalips]

To be fair I was just replying to your question - not that you were necessarily who I was talking about

Fair play mate, I get that.

 

[roonster09]

Tbf Vlahovic in the last 3 seasons has scored 21, 30 and then 14 in a down year. Not bad for a 23 year old.

Would definitely be a good shout as far as strikers we could possibly get go.

Tbf Vlahovic scored few penalties too. In few games I watched, I wasn't impressed with Vlahovic.

Vlahovic
Season	Mins	Goals	Penalties	Non Penalty goals	Assists	Mins per NPG	Mins per NPG+Assist
2020-21	3089​	21​	6​	15​	2​	205.9333​	181.7059​
2021-22	3679​	29​	5​	24​	6​	153.2917​	122.6333​
2022-23	2945​	14​	4​	11​	4​	267.7273​	196.3333​
Hojlund
2022-23	Mins	Goals	Penalties	Non Penalty goals	Assists	Mins per NPG	Mins per NPG+Assist
	2061​	11​	0​	11​	4​	187.3636​	137.4​

Also their overall game

Spoiler: Hojlund vs Vlahovic

Hojlund vs Vlahovic last season

Hojlund 2022-23 vs Vlahovic 2021-22

 

[DutchSerb]

I won't claim to watch loads of Juventus games but he looks like a proper finisher and excellent with his back to goal. Given you could make Lukaku look like Van Basten in a highlight video.

He's a great finisher, not the tireless worker type that ETH likes but he could possibly beat him into shape. He can create his own shots, big, strong, explosive around the box and good header. Hell he can even shoot a mean free kick. If the price is around the same I prefer him over Hojlund, but ultimately I'm okay with who our baldy wants. He knows ball better than me and maybe Hojlund is a better fit due to his speed.

 

[Redcy]

Vlahovic is v one dimensional, he is not someone who can bring others into the game, nor is he a team link player. I think thats going to bother EtH more than speed.

 

[Ted Lasso]

I meant it in the context that it shouldn't be surprising that he doesn't look like a world class beast in a video of him against big teams because he is a young potential. I thought my post was clearly getting that same sentiment across that we shouldn't pay through the nose for him but apologies if that was not clear somehow.

I commented on a video of him against Fiorentina and Milan comparing him to Lukaku at that age. I wouldn't have done so except that his price tag has made me more critical. If we were quoted half the prices we're seeing I wouldn't have batted an eye and I think most posters wouldn't either.

 

[Abraxas]

That's more Juventus and Allegri's fault than it is Vlahovic. Chiesa, Cuadrado and Di Maria even spoke out about his tactics being horrible. Think it's unfair to frame him as some average striker who's shown his true colors because of one down year when he's already lit up the league while playing for Fiorentina and could do the same for us, where he actually gets the supply and coach he deserves. He's still 23, there is also room to grow. I'm okay with both and I understand why one would prefer Hojlund due to being 20 but I don't agree with your views on Vlahovic. Think his stats for Serbia reflect this as well. Even when having a down year in Allegri's horrendous system he still banged in 6 goals + 3 assists in the 7 games that he played last season for the NT. He thrives in a more attacking team, like every striker.

You've given him a good defence / sales pitch!

I mean, if he's truly available for 65 million euros then it might be a case of beggars can't be choosers at the moment in this striker market with our budgeting constraints. I'm sure he'd be somebody the club would naturally look at if Hojlund can't get done and Vlahovic is on the market. It's not like there's 20 different options out there. He's just looked a bit of an oafish lump when I've caught him, but could be a case of the wrong games and he could be in the wrong team to truly thrive.

 

[Nicolarra90]

I seriously think there's a high chance that we don't actually go for a main CF, specially if the price are so crazy, at least not before the first few games.

I really think Garnacho must break into the first team this season, and Rashford must play so we will probably try to squeeze him into the CF role.

Garnacho (Sancho) - Rashford (cheap or loan backup? Martial?) - Antony (Amad).

Then perhaps in the mid season window we'd go for another striker depending on results.

 

[Abraxas]

I seriously think there's a high chance that we don't actually go for a main CF, specially if the price are so crazy, at least not before the first few games.

I really think Garnacho must break into the first team this season, and Rashford must play so we will probably try to squeeze him into the CF role.

Garnacho (Sancho) - Rashford (cheap or loan backup? Martial?) - Antony (Amad).

Then perhaps in the mid season window we'd go for another striker depending on results.

It would be risky. I don't see enough players that can get double figures in the league in that bunch. Only Rashford and Bruno including penalties. Especially in the wide players. I think we have to recognise that we don't have Salah or Mane out wide so a lack of central strikers is not so palatable as when you have beasts playing wide. Our goalscoring threat isn't really out wide unless Rashford is playing there and if he's moved centrally he obviously isn't playing there.

We should expect Rashford to produce because he's an established player reaching his best years. But I think not signing a striker means a very real possibility that whenever he has a lull, we will suffer greatly as a team. He's also quite poor back to goal and is slightly one dimensional when playing as a central forward.

I think it's a must to get a striker to inject more potential goals into the side. Look how much Weghorst played. If the guy could finish he would have probably notched a decent number of goals too, so that was left on the table last year.

 

[L1nk]

I seriously think there's a high chance that we don't actually go for a main CF, specially if the price are so crazy, at least not before the first few games.

I really think Garnacho must break into the first team this season, and Rashford must play so we will probably try to squeeze him into the CF role.

Garnacho (Sancho) - Rashford (cheap or loan backup? Martial?) - Antony (Amad).

Then perhaps in the mid season window we'd go for another striker depending on results.

We’d be crazy to go into the season with Rashford (who’s much better on the left) as our only recognised striker. Honestly at this point I don’t count Martial because he’s never fit

 

[RedRonaldo]

Why must I offer alternatives? I don't work in the scouting department. I never criticised the club, nor did I say we shouldn't sign him or that he is rubbish. I think those posts where people throw random names and prices are pointless and are just people regurgitating random media links and made up values.

I also never claimed that the club hasn't scouted him extensively or that they are not working on bringing in a more experienced striker alongside him, in fact I am actually baselessly sure that is our plan of action. I am sure the club have tons of names and in mind that the media do not mention, a la Casemiro deal.

I just said that people should calm down with the pressure of expecting this kid to solve our problems and I'd like us to bring in at least 1 proven forward in as well as I don't want Hojlund to be like Antony - people getting carried away and then getting on his back when he's not Shearer incarnate.

The alternative is to play Mason instead, as he is free and won’t cost 60-80m, but people won’t say it.

 

[tenpoless]

The alternative is to play Mason instead, as he is free and won’t cost 60-80m, but people won’t say it.

Loan Ighalo.

 

[Mr Smith]

Not sure what people are expecting with this kid and why anyone wants him as our main striker. It's not like he is an Mbappe youngster tearing teams up.

He may be talented and may have a great future but he'd likely be another Antony type purchase with our fans on his back in season 1. We need to bring in at least 1 forward with a proven record and definitely not spend too much on this lad as it wouldn't be fair to him nor would it likely take us to the next level.

Yeah but where is that forward? You can't just say we need X type of player if that player isn't available in the market.

 

[croadyman]

Tbf Vlahovic in the last 3 seasons has scored 21, 30 and then 14 in a down year. Not bad for a 23 year old.

Would definitely be a good shout as far as strikers we could possibly get go.

Yeah that's a very decent return,so frustrating we haven't got the financial muscle to go all in for one of our top targets. I really don't know what is gonna be the best hope for a striker this season.

 

[sglowrider]

The alternative is to play Mason instead, as he is free and won’t cost 60-80m, but people won’t say it.

Regardless he will need at least till January to get up to speed. He looks like he has lost a lot of his muscle mass too

 

[croadyman]

I won't claim to watch loads of Juventus games but he looks like a proper finisher and excellent with his back to goal. Given you could make Lukaku look like Van Basten in a highlight video.

Yeah there is clearly something that Utd don't see in this guy,if only we could find a gem like City managed with fecking Alvarez

 

[gajender]

@giorno mate what's your take on this Lad you tend have Decent and Balanced view on most things Serie A.

 

[croadyman]

There seems a significant gap on valuations here compared to the Mount & Onana situations. I honestly couldn’t call how this striker search is gonna end up right now

 

[Dannn411]

Just roll with Taremi at a cut price and Rashford as CF options next year. Taremi has a solid track record of scoring and there is no way that he can be worse than Weghorst. While every team on the planet knows we are desperate for a striker, they will try to gouge us. Either we pay up or show that we can win trophies without a young 9. Then we are in stronger position to negotiate.

Also, the CF market these days is about the worst its ever been. Given how much money we have wasted over the last 10 years, the last thing anyone at the club shiuld be looking to do is blow money on backup strikers. Wait for the market to develop a bit more or give CF talent in our youth system a chance.

 

[Klean]

That's more Juventus and Allegri's fault than it is Vlahovic. Chiesa, Cuadrado and Di Maria even spoke out about his tactics being horrible. Think it's unfair to frame him as some average striker who's shown his true colors because of one down year when he's already lit up the league while playing for Fiorentina and could do the same for us, where he actually gets the supply and coach he deserves. He's still 23, there is also room to grow. I'm okay with both and I understand why one would prefer Hojlund due to being 20 but I don't agree with your views on Vlahovic. Think his stats for Serbia reflect this as well. Even when having a down year in Allegri's horrendous system he still banged in 6 goals + 3 assists in the 7 games that he played last season for the NT. He thrives in a more attacking team, like every striker.

These are always interesting opinions when it comes to tactics. Good thing we have stats to look at.

Vlahovic (2022-2023) scored 8 Non penalty goals from an npxG of 7.3
Hojlund (2022-2023) scored 9 Non-penalty goals from an npxG of 9.5

Vlahovic has had a longer career and has scored 48 Non Penalty Goals from a npxG of 42.2. I think it comes down to personal preference here, and I know i prefer Hojlund. He is more dynamic and can do much more on top of being younger, so I think he has a level above Vlahovic he can get too. Vlahovic is a great player, but I think we know what his game is and will be. Hojlund we do not.

 

[Highfather_24]

Not sure what people are expecting with this kid and why anyone wants him as our main striker. It's not like he is an Mbappe youngster tearing teams up.

He may be talented and may have a great future but he'd likely be another Antony type purchase with our fans on his back in season 1. We need to bring in at least 1 forward with a proven record and definitely not spend too much on this lad as it wouldn't be fair to him nor would it likely take us to the next level.

Everyone who watches him regularly says his first touch is a problem.

 

[Shakesy]

It looks as if we're going to buy him and pending sales buy a more experienced CF later in the window

 

[DJ_21]

Who’s the most realistic alternative to Hojlund? Incase Atalanta won’t budge on their asking price.

 

[pocco]

This video makes Lukaku look like Berbatov in comparison. He's rather raw to be honest.

It even features the Lukaku special, attempt a step over and leave the ball behind.

 

[pocco]

Who’s the most realistic alternative to Hojlund? Incase Atalanta won’t budge on their asking price.

Players I'd mentioned earlier were Jonathan David, Lois Openda and Amine Gouiri. I've not seen a lot of all of them and think they'd fall within the same bracket as Hojlund in that they're young and still relatively raw at this stage. Openda has been signed by Leipzig now though, for what I believe was their record fee.

 

[tenpoless]

Theyre taking the piss if they did increase his price. Ask 100m for Blue+Yellow furniture material and lets see how they like it.

 

[Shakesy]

A video just to help with balance.

 

[Highfather_24]

I had seen these clips before, and that's why I had brought up my doubts on his hold up play, before I was shot down by people here.

I'm gonna go out and just say it. On current ability, fit Martial is probably a better player. The problem is he is never fit. Ideally, we would want a player who is BETTER and fit.

 

[Lyng]

I dont believe the 80 m price at all. If that was the case we would have left the table already.

 

[tenpoless]

I had seen these clips before, and that's why I had brought up my doubts on his hold up play, before I was shot down by people here.

I'm gonna go out and just say it. On current ability, fit Martial is probably a better player. The problem is he is never fit. Ideally, we would want a player who is BETTER and fit.

Of course a fit Martial is still much better. Most 20 yo are raw talents. They might have raw abilities like fast, decent shooting, strong enough for holdup play, etc but in the highest level those quickly become a non factor when they face much better players. Unless if you sign him in the hope of developing him for years by always playing him, I dont see how the price makes sense.

Also the comparison with Haaland is lazy. Haaland was a specimen even before he joined Dortmund. He was at least 8 years ahead of his age group.

 

[Andycoleno9]

It’s just shitty reporting from Englands side. They’ve done the trick of converting Euros to Pounds but backwards. Not sure if it’s incompetence or not.

Journos in England really go overboard with prices. They insisted that Chelsea want 80 million pounds for Mount. They said that price for Mac Allister is 70 million pounds. Now they are saying that Brighton want 100 mil for Caicedo etc...