Despite his early Premier League problems, Manchester United retain full faith in striker Rasmus Hojlund, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, who exclusively offers GIVEMESPORT with an internal report on the centre-forward at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils were not prolific in front of goal in the first half of the 2023/24 season, and they were eliminated from Europe after finishing bottom of their Champions League group.

Hojlund has enjoyed a run of goal-scoring form in Europe’s main continental competition, but has struggled to get off to a good start in the main League, where Manchester United is also struggling. The striker thinks that his fortunes will improve in the coming year as he strives to become one of Europe’s top No. 9 players.

Manchester United was forced to pursue a striker during the summer transfer window of 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure in November 2022, combined with Wout Weghorst’s disastrous loan spell from Burnley ending in June 2023, left Anthony Martial as the club’s only senior center-forward option.

After months of speculation, ten Hag eventually got his man in August, when Manchester United confirmed the purchase of Hojlund from Atalanta in a £72 million deal. The Denmark international would miss the start of the season after arriving at Old Trafford nursing an injury incurred during pre-season training with the Serie A club.

Hojlund made his Manchester United debut as a substitute in a 3-1 loss at Arsenal in September before starting in a 3-1 loss at home to Brighton & Hove Albion the following month. The 20-year-old scored his first goal for the club on his continental debut, a 4-3 Champions League defeat at Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

Despite scoring five goals in United’s unsuccessful European campaign, Hojlund had yet to score or assist in the Premier League during the 2023/24 season before to Man Utd’s trip to West Ham United on December 23rd. In November, journalist Dean Jones told GIVEMESPORT that Hojlund’s critics were unfair and that the teenager needed an experienced sidekick to help share the load of goals at Old Trafford.

Despite his Premier League troubles, Romano reports that Manchester United still believes in Hojlund and sees his potential. The Italian journalist also states that the Dane is “super professional” and “very serious,” and that he has persuaded him that he would win. Romano stated to GIVEMESPORT:

“Manchester United have complete faith in Hojlund.” They recognize the opportunity. They constantly cite the Champions League goals, which is a huge figure since five goals in a Champions League group is a substantial number, especially in Manchester United’s difficult season. However, they can see the potential. They are aware of how hard the boy is working. He’s a true professional. He’s gifted and has a lot of potential.

“So they knew that it would probably take some time to adapt and be ready for that kind of level in the Premier League.” But the kid is incredibly talented, and he has a lot of promise. Man United are certain of it. He’s still putting in long hours. According to what I’ve heard, he’s really serious, therefore I’m confident he’ll succeed.”

With the 2024 winter transfer window approaching, ten Hag may believe that the moment has come for the team to enter the market and sign an experienced center-forward to assist Hojlund. Manchester United are considering loaning Galatasaray forward Mauro Icardi till the end of the 2023/24 season, according to Football Transfers.

After rekindling his career with the Turkish giants and scoring against ten Hag’s team in the Champions League group stages this season, the Argentine is reported to be looking for new challenges. Given their concerns about complying with the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play standards, Manchester United’s transfer window spending could be limited.

Meanwhile, 90min claims that Red Devils spies were there at VfB Stuttgart’s 3-0 defeat at Bayern Munich on December 17th, when they examined striker Serhou Guirassy’s play. The Guinea international is the Bundesliga’s second-highest scorer this season, trailing only Harry Kane, and Romano disclosed that he has a €17.5 million (£15 million) release clause in his contract.

Manchester United welcomes Aston Villa to Old Trafford on Boxing Day before wrapping out a mixed 2023 campaign against Nottingham Forest.