The former Atalanta striker is on the verge of making his bow in a United shirt and could be thrust into the limelight at Arsenal this weekend. In their opening few matches of the season, it has been clear the Reds are in desperate need of a centre-forward.
Plenty of chances were created at Tottenham Hotspur but United lacked the cutting edge around the penalty area which is desperately needed if you wish to challenge for the top trophies. The Reds&apos only other natural centre-forward Anthony Martial, is devoid of confidence and is clearly not the solution to the club&aposs issues.
Therefore, the pressure surrounding Hojlund is massive before you even take into account who his debut could come against. The Gunners away will arguably be one of United&aposs toughest challenges this season and the home fans will be buoyed having seen improvements in recent years under Mikel Arteta.
To push Hojlund into this cauldron on Sunday when he has not played with his new teammates in a competitive clash yet could be considered a risk. But, according to his former manager at Sturm Graz Christian Ilzer, the Reds&apos supporters have no reason to fear him failing to cope with the pressure.
Speaking about Hojlund&aposs time at the club, Ilzer said: “Ras has a great attitude and an aura around him. A full stadium is nothing that intimidates him but pushes him, doesnt matter if it is the home fans or the opponent&aposs stadium.
“It is something in him to be one with the fans and to excite them. It is like the pitch is a concert stage and he is a Rockstar that excites the crowd.
“He is feeling naturally comfortable on that stage and thats why he was an instant fan-favourite in his short time in Graz and thats also one of the reasons why he is made for the biggest stages in football.”
Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand has already suggested Hojlund could be involved against the Gunners after calling him up for the country&aposs upcoming international fixtures. “Ive been in Manchester to watch Rasmus train and hes in full gear, so hell probably be in the squad for the weekend,” Hjulmand told reporters after the national team squad was announced. “There is of course a caveat, and he must show that he is ready this week.
“I have been in Manchester and have some clear agreements with the club. He should preferably get some minutes so that we can see that hes there. He lacks game time, thats clear, but hes going to play a role, so well have to see what he can do.”
It means United fans can get excited for the forward to finally make his debut for the club – and Hojlund should be able to handle the pressure just fine if he does.
One of the stand-out kits of the new season, the base colour of the adidas shirt is green with white stripes and maroon lines ensuring United will boast one of the most eye-catching shirts in the game for the 2023/2024 campaign.
