Rasmus Højlund | Signed for United

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roonster09

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I think removing penalty goals from tallies is misleading. The better metric would be, did the player who scored the penalty create the foul that led to the penalty? So if a player's movement in the box results in defenders bringing him down, that indicates his movement is good. If any of these players came in to their teams and were assigned penalty duties as 20 and 21 year-olds, that also speaks to their composure and their finishing abilities. You'd imagine there were older players at their clubs who were the designated penalty takers, yet these younger players took over, for a reason. Penalty goals are not disallowed from golden boot awards, at least far as I know.
Including penalties when talking about goal scoring record is misleading, when comparing goal scoring record, penalties should be separated and see how many player scored from open play. Even if the player wins the penalties, they won't be getting chance to take it at ManUtd as Bruno is our primary penalty taker. The player won't be able to stay pad by scoring 50% goals from penalties.
 
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El Jefe

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Come on buddy, people are allowed to give their opinion. This isn't the Rasmus Højlund circle jerk thread. Not everyone has to support this transfer, nor agree with you.

The facts are this: He is a young, raw striker with plenty of potential. He does not have a particularly good goal scoring record in a worse league, although his underlying stats are positive.

Anyone suggesting that we are overpaying for him is 100% right. He's not got a lot of professional football under his belt and what he has does not suggest generational talent yet. Will he be worth it in 2-3 years time? Maybe. Will he never realise his potential and be a 'flop'? Possibly

The irony isn't lost on me that you sign off complaining about everyone moaning, in a post moaning about the forum
Perfectly put. Make no mistake about it this signing is 100% a gamble. It's a high risk, high reward type of signing.

A young and unproven striker without standout numbers for up to £60m is definitely a transfer to be questioned. Especially for a side like us who is desperate for a striker to come in and hit the ground running.

Some posters seem to be getting offended that Højlund's ability and readiness for us and the PL is being question. I'd say how can anyone objective not question it? I've watched a bunch of videos and read opinions of Serie A and Denmark fans and while it doesn't make me an expert, I certainly don't see a player ready to have that much of an impact yet.

Any incoming striker for us should immediately have a target of 20 goals. With this lad you'd have to be off your rocker to think he'd get anywhere near that. He's a development player, like you said something to look at in 2-3yrs but in the short term I'm not expecting much.
 

roonster09

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Perfectly put. Make no mistake about it this signing is 100% a gamble. It's a high risk, high reward type of signing.

A young and unproven striker without standout numbers for up to £60m is definitely a transfer to be questioned. Especially for a side like us who is desperate for a striker to come in and hit the ground running.

Some posters seem to be getting offended that Højlund's ability and readiness for us and the PL is being question. I'd say how can anyone objective not question it? I've watched a bunch of videos and read opinions of Serie A and Denmark fans and while it doesn't make me an expert, I certainly don't see a player ready to have that much of an impact yet.

Any incoming striker for us should immediately have a target of 20 goals. With this lad you'd have to be off your rocker to think he'd get anywhere near that. He's a development player, like you said something to look at in 2-3yrs but in the short term I'm not expecting much.
Is it 20 goals in all competition or in league alone?
 

croadyman

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Atalanta scored the third-most goals in Serie A last season, 66 goals, and Hojlund only scored 9 of them, in 32 appearances.

I hope I'm wrong, but I feel like we're going to pay 60 million or more for a kid who is going to score 5-10 goals per season for us.

We're going to look like idiots for having not gone all-out for Kane, I can feel it.
We probably wanted to go all out for Kane but wasn't possible due to combo of takeover not sorted,Spurs asking price and finally little money made from player sales
 

Plastic Evra

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Jonathan David's stats i'll grant you paint a better picture, and at a rumoured 50 mill Euro's that's a great deal for someone you'd suspect.. but nobody seems to be in for him. I suspect the reason is that Jonathan David is more of a 2nd or SS, he is not normally played as a lone forward as far as I'm aware, he's also only 5'9 and less physical than Hojlund, and his game is completely different. If we played with two forwards i'd he'd be a good choice, but we don't.
I was reading the opinion of a Lyon and Hammer fan (French man) on a WH forum about J.David and he felt the player made a lot of progress in that regard. The season before he definitely needed another forward to work in concert to open himself spaces but that he was a lot more autonomous and capable on his own in 22/23.

Transfer gossip I read says the LOSC values a potential fee at 50m€ however, so I don't know he'd be an incredibly cheaper option at the moment.

Balogun is valued in the same waters. Wahi possibly a little less, 30-40m€ for MHSC reportedly (but he has... a bunch of issues extra football).

I think the reality of it is that if you want to pay less you basically need to cut the middleman and bring in prospects younger even before they start to blow up and get them through your academy, but that's obviously carrying some issues of its own.

The market seems to get a little unsustainable when there's only... 10 clubs that can possibly afford those monster buys of 60 and up millions but I wouldn't bet on it getting any better despite.
 

croadyman

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What price (excluding addons) do people who are confident of signing him think we can get this done for,basically what is the figure that Atalanta are willing to compromise
 

sglowrider

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They have been saying the bid starts from 90mil north. It’s ridiculous amount but he is an interesting player I feel.
I can see this striker deal dragging on till late August. By then I suspect we would have made the decision to keep Greenwood instead of sending him out on loan, the optimum solution.
 

Powderfinger

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Was reading an article this morning but for the heading part at least, he takes a higher percentage of his shot attempts with his head than Haaland does (and higher with his weaker foot). Also he's scored with his head for Denmark, along with another with his foot showing a great front post run to sneak ahead of the defender and get on the end of a cross.

While I agree that he's not going to be a quick footed type of player, that's not a problem. He's not that type. You look at the best 6' plus strikers over the past 10 years, you have Ibra, Dzeko, Cavani, Lewandowski, Benzema, Kane, Giroud, Lukaku, Diego Costa... Most of them aren't particularly "quick footed", close control/dribblers types. Lewandowski has quick feet but plays a different game, Benzema and Ibra had their periods where they were dribblers, but we're talking about 3 iconic all timers. Dzeko, Cavani, Kane is the somewhat realistic target type of player that Hojlund I think has the mix of technique and play style for. Whether he puts it all together and progresses like them who knows, but he's more technical at his age IMO than Lukaku was, he has more variety and pace to his game than someone like Giroud. Aside from that, the only guys from the above list who actually did more than Hojlund at his age are Lukaku (who again, was entirely based off of physicality and doesn't really belong on this list as he's more of a Haaland type specimen where he knew how to use his body as a teenager) and then Benzema who was a very different type of CF.

The guys who I think Hojlund can follow in terms of development if all goes well a blend of Lewandowski, Dzeko, Cavani, Kane, Giroud... None of them were even playing in a big league at 20, none looked elite, but they displayed some elite talents and traits where you could see them put it together. You're looking at roughly age 23 on average for these types to really kick on. The problem is once they do kick on, they are virtually impossible to sign. An all round CF with the mix of pace and power but also technique to play for a top side. That's the hope with him.
Cheers. That’s a very level headed and well argued post.
 

amolbhatia50k

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Was reading an article this morning but for the heading part at least, he takes a higher percentage of his shot attempts with his head than Haaland does (and higher with his weaker foot). Also he's scored with his head for Denmark, along with another with his foot showing a great front post run to sneak ahead of the defender and get on the end of a cross.

While I agree that he's not going to be a quick footed type of player, that's not a problem. He's not that type. You look at the best 6' plus strikers over the past 10 years, you have Ibra, Dzeko, Cavani, Lewandowski, Benzema, Kane, Giroud, Lukaku, Diego Costa... Most of them aren't particularly "quick footed", close control/dribblers types. Lewandowski has quick feet but plays a different game, Benzema and Ibra had their periods where they were dribblers, but we're talking about 3 iconic all timers. Dzeko, Cavani, Kane is the somewhat realistic target type of player that Hojlund I think has the mix of technique and play style for. Whether he puts it all together and progresses like them who knows, but he's more technical at his age IMO than Lukaku was, he has more variety and pace to his game than someone like Giroud. Aside from that, the only guys from the above list who actually did more than Hojlund at his age are Lukaku (who again, was entirely based off of physicality and doesn't really belong on this list as he's more of a Haaland type specimen where he knew how to use his body as a teenager) and then Benzema who was a very different type of CF.

The guys who I think Hojlund can follow in terms of development if all goes well a blend of Lewandowski, Dzeko, Cavani, Kane, Giroud... None of them were even playing in a big league at 20, none looked elite, but they displayed some elite talents and traits where you could see them put it together. You're looking at roughly age 23 on average for these types to really kick on. The problem is once they do kick on, they are virtually impossible to sign. An all round CF with the mix of pace and power but also technique to play for a top side. That's the hope with him.
I’d say Suarez and Benzema are the exceptions (being not short yet ‘quick footed’) but then strikers of their talent come around only in awhile.

Otheriwse agree with everything else.
 

city-puma

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I can see this striker deal dragging on till late August. By then I suspect we would have made the decision to keep Greenwood instead of sending him out on loan, the optimum solution.
If so, we will surely sign an experienced striker. I personally think it not a bad outcome.
 

sglowrider

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If so, we will surely sign an experienced striker. I personally think it not a bad outcome.
Agree. If Atalanta is asking 60-80million for Hojlund, I cant see us buying him at that price when we have a player, Greenwood -- who I imagine from the footballing department would rather keep whilst the commercial department would prefer to sell -- training on his own. But Mason will need till Jan/Feb to get up to speed for sure. So an experienced hand would make sense as a bridge.
 

Strelok

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That's a fair ask, 20 goals should be minimum for ManUtd starting striker.
I rate the lad but 20 goals is a bit too much imo. 5 in the league + another 5 in other comp and I'd be happy. He's young, still raw and new to the league too much expectation won't do him and us any good imo. As long as he can keep the ball and help us to link the play a bit I'm fine even if he doesn't score much. Goals should not be the only thing we care about in evaluating a #9 imo.
 

Strelok

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I can see this striker deal dragging on till late August. By then I suspect we would have made the decision to keep Greenwood instead of sending him out on loan, the optimum solution.
Agree that would be an optimal solution football wise since he could provide some goals and a backup for Antony.

I just read an article on the Athletic which says we've stopped looking to loan him out. Probably because no one wants him. He was reportedly included among the 3 players in the first offer for Atalanta but they said no. The article also says he's been training privately for several months but won't be included in the tour in the US.

Anyway imo if the reports are to believe this Hojlund deal won't take that long and we'll take a decision after securing Hojlund and see how he'd do here. If Hojlund does well enough we won't call him back imo.
 

united for life

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he’s probably worth 30-40 million but we’ll end up paying 60+ for him. But no worries, we’re selling players….for 1 million and 4 million
 

sglowrider

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Agree that would be an optimal solution football wise since he could provide some goals and a backup for Antony.

I just read an article on the Athletic which says we've stopped looking to loan him out. Probably because no one wants him. He was reportedly included among the 3 players in the first offer for Atalanta but they said no. The article also says he's been training privately for several months but won't be included in the tour in the US.

Anyway imo if the reports are to believe this Hojlund deal won't take that long and we'll take a decision after securing Hojlund and see how he'd do here. If Hojlund does well enough we won't call him back imo.
He has to play next season -- whether its for preparing him back into the fold the following season or to put him on the shop window.
 

SirMonteyne

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This guy reminds me of James Wilson, IMO he'll be a championship-level player in a few years. But I like club bets on young players, it'll be fun to watch him.
 

DJ_21

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he’s probably worth 30-40 million but we’ll end up paying 60+ for him. But no worries, we’re selling players….for 1 million and 4 million
To be fair though we’ve managed to negotiate the prices down for both Mount and Onana. If Atalanta value him at 60m it will probably get done for around 50+add ons.
 

BarryWinks

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This guy reminds me of James Wilson, IMO he'll be a championship-level player in a few years. But I like club bets on young players, it'll be fun to watch him.
Okay so there are the Cavani comparisons and then there is this. Surely, Hojlund will arrive somewhere in the middle.

I have seen bits and pieces of his play from YT and I like that he has raw potential. That's not to say he will reach that high level, but the tools are there. He shoots well with both feet (stronger on the left), has very good movement inside the box (probably where the Cavani comparisons come in), good with his back to goal (can definitely improve here as he's inconsistent with his touch away from the defenders), pace to burn which is great as he's a pressing monster by all indication.

So you can he he'll have the tools to work with, but unless he surprises us all he won't be that "missing link" for us next season. Actually won't be surprised to see him rotate a lot with Rashford and Martial (whenever he's fit) next season.


But a James Wilson he is not.
 

Strelok

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He has to play next season -- whether its for preparing him back into the fold the following season or to put him on the shop window.
Agree.

But as a loan can happen even after the window closed so the final decision can wait a bit imo. Imo the club will keep him, he's surely a dick but also a +100m talent we won't want him to end up somewhere else for free then proceed to become a WC #9. While we can't be sure how this lad Hojlund would fare here yet. Or even if we'd manage to buy him. We'll see I think.
 

gajender

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Agree.

But as a loan can happen even after the window closed so the final decision can wait a bit imo. Imo the club will keep him, he's surely a dick but also a +100m talent we won't want him to end up somewhere else for free then proceed to become a WC #9. While we can't be sure how this lad Hojlund would fare here yet. Or even if we'd manage to buy him. We'll see I think.
No it can't
 

BarryWinks

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My ideal striker for us would have been Raul Jimenez before the head injury. He was for a time the best striker outside the top 6 and he had it all. Like Toney but with pace and a more willing runner.

Sucks that both are not options in the season we actually do need a striker.
 

Strelok

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No it can't
Wasn't aware of the loan deals being able to be processed/executed after the widow closes.
Yeah I mistook it with free agents signing.

But if my memory serves me right couple years ago there was some loan done after the window closed to some Chinese or Middle East teams. They have different transfer windows than the ones in Europe I think?
 

sglowrider

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Agree.

But as a loan can happen even after the window closed so the final decision can wait a bit imo. Imo the club will keep him, he's surely a dick but also a +100m talent we won't want him to end up somewhere else for free then proceed to become a WC #9. While we can't be sure how this lad Hojlund would fare here yet. Or even if we'd manage to buy him. We'll see I think.
Wasn't aware of the loan deals being able to be processed/executed after the widow closes.

We always used to complain that the commercial side of the club ruled the nest. But I suspect the footballing side wants to keep him. Greenwood was scoring more goals -- mind you, from the RW than Hojlund was at the same age.

Let's see who will make the decision this time -- commercial or the footballing side of the club.
 

sglowrider

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To be fair though we’ve managed to negotiate the prices down for both Mount and Onana. If Atalanta value him at 60m it will probably get done for around 50+add ons.
Amad was 18mil plus another 16-18 million in add-ons. At 20, it would make sense that we offer something like 45 million plus 20million in add-ons.
 

sglowrider

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This guy reminds me of James Wilson, IMO he'll be a championship-level player in a few years. But I like club bets on young players, it'll be fun to watch him.
I think Wilson has the potential to make it if not for a series of bad luck incl a string of injuries which hampered his development. He was fire at 16-18y.o
 
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