Rasmus Højlund | Signed for United

[noelyman]

Read the article to see the metrics. They are talking about the way they play, not necessarily being as clinical (or even as effective). Is it the cool thing to shit on The Athletic now without even reading?

No they're talking out of their behinds is what they're doing. Anyone with eyes who watches football could tell you that Delofeu is many things but playing similarly to Harry Kane is not one of them. If the data truly says that this is the case then I'm afraid the data is an ass or more probably the journo 'compiling' the data is.

“There are three types of lies -- lies, damn lies, and statistics.”
― Benjamin Disraeli

Is an oft quoted observation highlighting the dangers of over reliance on data. But personally I prefer this one:

“Most people use statistics like a drunk man uses a lamppost; more for support than illumination”
― Andrew Lang

 

[AFC NimbleThumb]

Finishing 4th without proper striker will not be that easy.
And i disagree that we should build a team which will challenge for trophies after 2 or 3 seasons. Some of our key players (Varane, Casemiro, Bruno, Eriksen) are around 30 and in their prime. Alongside Mount and Onana(?), striker would be final piece in this team.

The main aim of last season was to get back in the UCL, so we bought cas & eriksen in, the trouble is for all the players in their prime you list there’s a squad member or 2 that is a rather big step down when they come in for them.

I think the task EtH faces is to straddle 2 time lines, we don’t have the depth of squad or the top end quality in a few areas to challenge for the league, so consolidation is the key this year whilst also settling in the likes of Mount & potentially this guy.

The only way we challenge for trophies this year is a club sale with immediate effect & about half a billion, I simply don’t think we’re a player or two away so this signing is the exact one we should be making.

 

[Hugh Jass]

No they're talking out of their behinds is what they're doing. Anyone with eyes who watches football could tell you that Delofeu is many things but playing similarly to Harry Kane is not one of them. If the data truly says that this is the case then I'm afraid the data is an ass or more probably the journo 'compiling' the data is.

“There are three types of lies -- lies, damn lies, and statistics.”
― Benjamin Disraeli

Is an oft quoted observation highlighting the dangers of over reliance on data. But personally I prefer this one:

“Most people use statistics like a drunk man uses a lamppost; more for support than illumination”
― Andrew Lang

I thought that was Mark Twain. I could be wrong though - the internet misattributes many quotes to famous people that havent actually said them.

 

[L1nk]

SJ will have Ferguson here next season provided he has a good season. Hojlund is overvalued and overrated

Based on all of what? Ferguson will be 19 and just signed a contract till 2028 he aint gonna be able to be bought for 30mill he will be vastly more expensive than Hojlund

Overvalued and overrated based on you barely even knowing who he his

 

[tentan]

He will score 15 goals at least the first season.

The new Weghorst

 

[stoinz]

Hojlund's albeit very short time in the Austrian league saw him with a much much better goals to games ratio than Sesko which is why Atalanta took a chance on him. Sesko scored more goals in the Austrian league than Hojlund has scored in Serie A this year true, but I would argue Hojlund is a prospect that's more ready then Sesko currently. He also has 6 goals in 6 games for Denmark opposed to Sesko's 6 goals in 21 games.

This is aside from the fact that Sesko already signed for RB Leipzig anyway.

I'm not sure it's about the only option we have, but more about the option that ETH and the recruitment team want the most if we cannot get a hold of the likes of Kane and Osimhen

Thanks! I just hope we don't get fleeced and he can step up. Because getting in a prospect is no use to us, we need a proven striker. But that said, a prospect is immediate upgrade to WG and Martial.

I'm sure there are other options out there and much cheaper, Real seeming keep signing some wonderkid every other year without overpaying.

 

[El Jefe]

Hojlund has scored 0.44 non-penalty goals per 90 in Serie A this season.

For context, here's how that would have fit in among some other PL players this season:

Isak - 0.47
Salah - 0.47
Mitrovic - 0.45
Jesus - 0.44
Hojlund - 0.44
Gakpo - 0.43
Toney - 0.40
Watkins 0.40

Personally I think if he just carried that rate across to the PL it would be an excellent starting point for a 20/21 year old CF, provided he offers enough in general play too.

Just by looking at the names in that list, it's extremely unlikely he maintains the same rate. These are established and reliable PL goal scorers other than Gakpo.

Scoring double figures as a youngster in the PL is extremely hard.

As great as Martial was in his first season he only scored 11 in the league and 17 overall. Greenwood was similar with 10 and 17 overall too. If Hojlund is able to replicate either of these seasons we should be over the moon because that is the best case scenario.

I'd be expecting 10-14 goals in all comps as a solid but reasonable contribution to the team. We aren't in Europa so those extra goals might be hard to come by.

 

[Rhyme Animal]

Hojlund has scored 0.44 non-penalty goals per 90 in Serie A this season.

For context, here's how that would have fit in among some other PL players this season:

Isak - 0.47
Salah - 0.47
Mitrovic - 0.45
Jesus - 0.44
Hojlund - 0.44
Gakpo - 0.43
Toney - 0.40
Watkins 0.40

Personally I think if he just carried that rate across to the PL it would be an excellent starting point for a 20/21 year old CF, provided he offers enough in general play too.

It’d be fecking amazing if he carried it over. But it’s a fecking big ‘if’, Sully.

Not impossible, but more likely that number drops down in a new league and a better league.

 

[noelyman]

It’d be fecking amazing if he carried it over. But it’s a fecking big ‘if’, Sully.

Not impossible, but more likely that number drops down in a new league and a better league.

I agree it's unlikely he'll replicate those numbers at least not straight away but surely the main point is getting someone in who will be a real focal point of the attack. Occupying defenders, holding up the ball, and or bringing others into play, and all for a gettable price that we can afford whereas the Kane's of this world we currently can't. ETH proved with Haller that he knows how to utilise a very particular profile of attacker who despite flopping massively at West Ham was able to thrive in Ten Hag's. Let's hope the same is true of Hoijland.

 

[arthurka]

The new Weghorst

Yeah with the goals

 

[amolbhatia50k]

The feeling I get based on what I read here and the clips I’ve watched is that he’s a good talent but not a special one. That doesn’t mean he can’t go on to be a great player but he’s not one of those you can instantly tell have a natural gift that set them apart - like Rooney, RvP, Ibra of Haaland did, but he’d have to work on it and prove over time (more like Kane). That’s why a monster fee doesn’t make sense and what we do agree depends on how much confidence we have in his talent.

To me it looks like he does everything quite well rather than looking absurdly good at anything in SerieA. If we are confident of taking his game to new levels then sure, may be worth it at 40/50m.

 

[Strelok]

He will score 15 goals at least the first season.

The number is a bit hopeful imo. If we sign him I'd say min 5 max 20. He's still very young and new to the league. It's basically impossible to be sure about how he'd do here.

I agree it's unlikely he'll replicate those numbers at least not straight away but surely the main point is getting someone in who will be a real focal point of the attack. Occupying defenders, holding up the ball, and or bringing others into play, and all for a gettable price that we can afford whereas the Kane's of this world we currently can't. ETH proved with Haller that he knows how to utilise a very particular profile of attacker who despite flopping massively at West Ham was able to thrive in Ten Hag's. Let's hope the same is true of Hoijland.

Tbh I find him quite average and the whole reason I support this transfer is simply because ETH reportedly wants him and it seems we won't be able to get Kane. ETH surely must know shitload about football than any of us.

 

[Rossa]

No they're talking out of their behinds is what they're doing. Anyone with eyes who watches football could tell you that Delofeu is many things but playing similarly to Harry Kane is not one of them. If the data truly says that this is the case then I'm afraid the data is an ass or more probably the journo 'compiling' the data is.

“There are three types of lies -- lies, damn lies, and statistics.”
― Benjamin Disraeli

Is an oft quoted observation highlighting the dangers of over reliance on data. But personally I prefer this one:

“Most people use statistics like a drunk man uses a lamppost; more for support than illumination”
― Andrew Lang

I might use that last one. Love it. Thanks mate

 

[ROFLUTION]

Hojlund has scored 0.44 non-penalty goals per 90 in Serie A this season.

For context, here's how that would have fit in among some other PL players this season:

Isak - 0.47
Salah - 0.47
Mitrovic - 0.45
Jesus - 0.44
Hojlund - 0.44
Gakpo - 0.43
Toney - 0.40
Watkins 0.40

Personally I think if he just carried that rate across to the PL it would be an excellent starting point for a 20/21 year old CF, provided he offers enough in general play too.

It's a completely different league and tempo mate. You really can't compare them without probably giving Højlund a notch down in non-penalty goals per 90 in Premier League.

From having watched him, it's clear to me that Watkins and Toney are better currently. Maybe not long-term but currently I find it hard to believe he'd have done better than any of them.

 

[ROFLUTION]

If we pay over 60m then there'll be some serious Darwin-clouds hanging over his head. Not sure he can deliver compared to that. Better pay a lot in add-ons if he performs or not.

 

[Idxomer]

The number is a bit hopeful imo. If we sign him I'd say min 5 max 20. He's still very young and new to the league. It's basically impossible to be sure about how he'd do here.

In the league, I think it's pretty safe to say he won't score 20 goals. We have had only 4 players do that in the last 20 years. I think anything from 10 to 15 goals would be a good return, maybe even in all competitions. He will also likely not be a guaranteed starter.

 

[Strelok]

In the league, I think it's pretty safe to say he won't score 20 goals. We have had only 4 players do that in the last 20 years. I think anything from 10 to 15 goals would be a good return, maybe even in all competitions. He will also likely not be a guaranteed starter.

I mean in total. Surely it's very hard to score 20 league goals especially without taking pens. Agree 10-15 in total is already a very good number for his age.

 

[tidraKS]

Just get him, I don’t care about the fee.

 

[roseguy64]

We do - but not a 30 year old who will cost us about £200 million over the next 5 years, and have zero value afterwards

Who care about his value in 5 years. He's guaranteeing you 20+ goals a season for most of those 5 years.

He's absolutely worth it.

And if not him, Balogun seems a much better prospect than Hojlund.

 

[zaafi]

Somehow this is a controversial statement. It's clearly a huge gamble.

It's not controversial, but it's pointless to mention for several reasons.

1. Kane and Osimhen are unrealistic targets.
2. Every young player is a gamble.
3. We need a striker.
4. There's a huge lack of good strikers on the market, and generally in world football.

Either way, whoever we sign is going to be a gamble, but we absolutely need a striker, and Højlund is one of the highest rated young strikers in the world at the moment. We're not going to find a striker who will score 20+ PL goals in a season.

 

[roseguy64]

Jesus Christ. Negative Nelly much? The kid is absolute raw talent and has some fantastic attributes. Why are you so quick to write the lad off? Is it because he isn’t Kane, Osimhen or Mbappe?

Yes. Pretty much. The Man Utd pressure will eat him up. Especially if he's the only striker signing.

The circus that surrounds the club will chew him up and spit him out. 90% chance.

Especially if we sign him for 50m pounds+. That fee would have to be full of add-ons to placate the crowd and the media.

 

[ayushreddevil9]

Yes. Pretty much. The Man Utd pressure will eat him up. Especially if he's the only striker signing.

The circus that surrounds the club will chew him up and spit him out. 90% chance.

Especially if we sign him for 50m pounds+. That fee would have to be full of add-ons to placate the crowd and the media.

Did that happen with Garnacho?

 

[Remember the geese]

I highly doubt it.

No need for this shite.

 

[roseguy64]

Did that happen with Garnacho?

Garnacho is a totally different situation to Hojlund. A youth player and a big-money signing are treated differently. Also, wingers get some more leeway.

 

[zaafi]

Garnacho is a totally different situation to Hojlund. A youth player and a big-money signing are treated differently. Also, wingers get some more leeway.

Why do you even bother pretending you know any of this? You come across as childish and arrogant.

 

[resimad7]

Didn’t

Yes. Pretty much. The Man Utd pressure will eat him up. Especially if he's the only striker signing.

The circus that surrounds the club will chew him up and spit him out. 90% chance.

Especially if we sign him for 50m pounds+. That fee would have to be full of add-ons to placate the crowd and the media.

correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t Martial cost upwards of 50m? With a dozen goals in 50 odd games in a much easier league than Hojlund. If it wasnt for 2 key issues with Martial, Attitude and fitness, he would have been an absolute hit here.

I’m not sure on Hojlund’s injury record but I certainly know about his attitude, which is leaps and bounds ahead of Martial’s. He seems to have terrific values and is extremely humble.

if he comes here and continues to be hard working, stay fit, and have the right attitude, combined with his current skill set and potential, I think he would be a success here.

 

[stevoc]

Some of the quotes I've read about him from footballers/managers are astonishing. Obviously they are going to be aware of young special talents but it really is quite exciting to go after a player where legends of the game have so much to say about him so early on in his career.


Gian Piero Gasperini:
'One day I will tell my grandchildren that I trained Rasmus Højlund. With Rasmus you have to speak to him in small doses and listen carefully to the little that he says. Don't write about him, don't try to understand how he does it, just watch him.'

Xavi Hernández:
'It's clear that Højlund is a distinct level above the rest. Those that don't know how to see it are blind.'

Arsène Wenger:
'Højlund is a footballer from a Play Station game. Things that are impossible to do, he makes them possible.'

Zlatan Ibrahimović:
'I already know which footballer will take my place and his name is Rasmus Højlund. He has something different to all other footballers. He is a leader that is an example to everyone.'

Peter Schmeichel:
'Højlund is the Mozart of football.'

Roberto Mancini:
'Every time we watch Rasmus play, we remember the days of playing football in the playground at school, a flashback in time.'

Michael Laudrup:
'I thank God every day that Højlund is Danish.'

Pele:

''If I was still alive there's only one player I'd to pay to watch every week. Who? Rasmus, of course.''

 

[Hughes35]

The only player who isn't a gamble IMO is Kane.

If Kane is unavailable then a player with the profile and cost of Hojlund is the best option.

Really hope we get this done quickly. For some reason I feel like a good pre season and time to bond with teammates is even more important for a young striker.

 

[golden_blunder]

“Yous are all fookin idiots” -Alex Ferguson

 

[Crimson King]

Who care about his value in 5 years. He's guaranteeing you 20+ goals a season for most of those 5 years.

He's absolutely worth it.

And if not him, Balogun seems a much better prospect than Hojlund.

He's 2 years older and only has one full season in French football under his belt. I'm not sure that makes him a 'much better' prospect at all. He'd still be a huge gamble.

And good luck getting him from Arsenal for anything less than £50m. They'll likely sell him outside the EPL for less than that with a buyback/high sell on clause, but for a direct rival they'll want £50m, at least.

 

[zaafi]

The only player who isn't a gamble IMO is Kane.

If Kane is unavailable then a player with the profile and cost of Hojlund is the best option.

Really hope we get this done quickly. For some reason I feel like a good pre season and time to bond with teammates is even more important for a young striker.

Exactly. People are talking about getting an experienced striker who can score 20+ PL goals a season. There is none available.

And experience doesn't necessarily mean much when coming from another league to PL. Weghorst was experienced, and he was shit.

The smart thing would be to get Højlund now, have him share minutes with Rashford and Martial, and then try to get Kane on a free next season, tempting him with huge wages.

 

[UnitedSofa]

We are not going to win a major competition (league or CL for the purposes of my argument) this season so we need to focus on consolidating top four this season, getting out of CL groups and recruit and bed in a striker with a long term future at the club so that we can start building a squad to mount a challenge in the next couple of seasons. I think Hojlund can contribute to those aims. Looks very promising but will probably also be able to chip in with 10-15 goals next season which isn't too bad if Rashford, Mount, Bruno and Antony can all match their expected goals and our pressing and build up improves as a result of other personnel changes. His movement looks decent and could be a monster on the counter with his pace and power.

However, I do think the price point is important and at 50/60mn it would be getting to the point where the risk and opportunity costs elsewhere are to great to warrant the move.

Why not Arsenal managed it after finishing 5th season before last and everyone had written them off. There’s every chance we can challenge.

SJ will have Ferguson here next season provided he has a good season. Hojlund is overvalued and overrated

You’re only saying that because you have seen more or Ferguson

 

[macheda14]

Why not Arsenal managed it after finishing 5th season before last and everyone had written them off. There’s every chance we can challenge.

Did they win a major competition?

 

[yamo123x]

Having our pants pulled down again over this fee.

All those raving about the lad need to realise he wasnt a regular starter for Atalanta.

Potential yes and plenty but we are so poor in our negotiation. Every team know to reject our first order and second and we will eventualy cave in and give them an inflated fee because they can see our desperation

 

[Zoo]

Moves like a striker. Has characteristics that we are missing in the squad.

 

[Cnaiür urs Skiötha]

I know him a bit from his time in Austria, but have not seen him play for Atalanta. What concerns me is from what seems to be his strengths how he plus Rashford plus ?? on the wings will bring enough fluidity in the attacking third.
Unpopular opinion but given how expensive proper number 9s are atm I would not be against the idea of transforming Rashford into a striker and get a ball playing winger plus maybe another midfielder for the money to improve our overall attacking play which is too static in my mind.

 

[UnitedSofa]

Did they win a major competition?

No but they challenged and got close and a lack of experience lead them to bottle it.

We have come so far this season, 2 finals and 1 trophy & if it weren’t for utter captiulation against Seville who knows maybe a European final too.

I seriously believe (with a striker signing) we can do just as good, if not better this season.

 

[redcucumber]

Having our pants pulled down again over this fee.

All those raving about the lad need to realise he wasnt a regular starter for Atalanta.

Potential yes and plenty but we are so poor in our negotiation. Every team know to reject our first order and second and we will eventualy cave in and give them an inflated fee because they can see our desperation

Isn't that how most negotiations and subsequent transactions go? There's a limited supply so it's not like we can submit one bid, have it rejected and then swan off to the next available talent and acquire them for an advantageous sum. It's a sellers market.

 

[resimad7]

I know him a bit from his time in Austria, but have not seen him play for Atalanta. What concerns me is from what seems to be his strengths how he plus Rashford plus ?? on the wings will bring enough fluidity in the attacking third.
Unpopular opinion but given how expensive proper number 9s are atm I would not be against the idea of transforming Rashford into a striker and get a ball playing winger plus maybe another midfielder for the money to improve our overall attacking play which is too static in my mind.

We just signed Mount to fix the “too static” in midfield issue and we don’t need any LW

 

[Trex]

Having our pants pulled down again over this fee.

All those raving about the lad need to realise he wasnt a regular starter for Atalanta.

Potential yes and plenty but we are so poor in our negotiation. Every team know to reject our first order and second and we will eventualy cave in and give them an inflated fee because they can see our desperation

Take a break, Arsenal just paid 100m for Rice. Chelsea did the same for Mudryk, Enzo and Brighton are demanding similar for Caicedo. Madrid did the same for Tchouameni and Bellingham.
Its the market. fact is if we really think he's got it in him to be a united level striker then 50-60 million will end up being a bargain. If we don't rate him that much then why bother.