The 72 million pounds that Man United risked on Rasmus Hojlund this summer was a huge investment.

A contract worth millions of dollars was signed with the 20-year-old Danish footballer. Man United’s current transfer record stands at £89 million, set when they acquired Paul Pogba. If they were to sign Harry Kane, however, they would almost certainly shatter that mark. Anyway, for the time being, Hojlund is still bearing the brunt of the responsibility.

Responsibility comes hand in hand with carrying the assault for the Red Devils. So far, Hojlund seems to be okay with that. Last week at the Allianz Arena, the former Atalanta star scored his first goal for the club, and his celebration reflected the image of a player who is always ready to battle and face obstacles, which bodes well for his future at the Emirates. challenge.

You can see why Ten Hag went with the word “brave” when asked to characterize the young man’s state of mind after the agreement was finalized. Hojlund has made an impact at Carrington despite being a relatively new recruit, and the Dutchman appreciates his friendly demeanor. Hojlund is aware that he must battle Old Trafford’s rich history and the pressure to average over 20 goals per season. He has the seventh most costly contract in terms of Euros for Manchester United, and the sixth most expensive in terms of British pounds.

Pogba, Romelu Lukaku, and Angel Di Maria are the three players who have recently departed the club. If Pogba were to return to Old Trafford, he would very definitely be met with the same level of contempt that Lukaku and Di Maria had upon their respective reunions.

Man United’s high hopes for Pogba were never realized. Despite flashes of brilliance under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, he was signed to lead a new generation but lacks the leadership abilities, mentality, and bravery to do so. Pogba has played for 6 seasons, at least. After a 75 million pound deal, Lukaku stayed at Old Trafford for two years and brought in a lot of money for Inter Milan. Before moving to Paris for a sum of 59.7 million pounds (equivalent to 75 million euros at the time) in 2014, Di Maria had a dismal season.

Man United still has three of the four players on their costly shopping list who were ranked higher than Hojlund. Both Antony and Harry Maguire are unlikely to make the team, with Maguire competing with a 35-year-old veteran for the No. 4 center-back spot. It just goes to show that signing with Manchester United for a hefty sum is no guarantee of glory.

It’s possible that Antony can alter the course of his own life. Even though he’s only 23, he’s still Ten Hag’s first choice on the right wing for the Red Devils. At least Maguire continues to prove his worth when called upon when recruited, and most recently in the League Cup third-round encounter against Crystal Palace.

Jadon Sancho, another high-priced player, has accused Ten Hag of using him as a “scapegoat,” prompting him to practice independently for the time being. After a disappointing showing in training, he was cut from the team. It’s tough to see the £73 million winger turning things around.

Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, and Bruno Fernandes are just a few such high-priced additions who have had a big impact at Old Trafford. Having never played at the highest level and without experience, Hojlund carries more of a risk than the aforementioned trio. Nevertheless, Man United scouts have good cause to be impressed by what they see, and Ten Hag is certain that this rough diamond can be polished into a precious one.