Rasmus Højlund | Signed for United

[mav_9me]

Non-penalty goals per minute last season:

Mitrovic - 0.45
Jesus - 0.44
Hojlund - 0.44
Gakpo - 0.43
Toney - 0.43
Watkins - 0.40

If he translates anything like his current goals rate to the PL then we should be delighted, because at 20 he'd be in line with the main CFs of two of our top four rivals as well as some of the older B-list strikers some posters have suggested we sign.

The reality is that, Haaland and Kane aside, the standard of striker isn't that high in the league. With there being no realisitic expectation that we really challenge for the title this season, Hojlund has a bit of time to adjust.

I'm much more interested in seeing how he fits in terms of general play.

Could not agree more. I'm just excited to see a striker make runs into the box

 

[alexthelion]

Sacrilege. There is only one number 99

Agreed.

 

[Rhyme Animal]

See no one has given you any suggestions

Many people have given many suggestions many times over and you damn well know it.

The now well worn, and deeply pathetic, ‘wHo tHeN!?’ approach to anyone who has a differing opinion on transfers is extremely fecking tedious, as we all know that YOU don’t think there’s any other viable option, and thus, anyone that gets put forward is already obviously a ‘no’ in your mind.

This reached dizzy new heights regarding Weghorst and any criticism of ETH for bringing him in - ‘who else was possibly available then?’ as if Wout fecking Weghorst was the only striker on Earth available to ETH

Now we’re getting it with this…

‘I’m not sure spunking £65m and add ons on an unproven lad with a handful of goals to his name and a heavy touch is really the best idea’

‘wHo tHeN!?’

If you truly believe that Rasmus Højlund is the wisest way to spend 65m quid, then fair play - I desperately hope you’re right.

But if you do TRULY believe the, ‘there’s no one else out there right now’ angle, then wouldn’t you actually prefer to wait…? Rather than spunk all that money simply because ‘there’s no one else’?

It that the wisest approach to a long term commitment striker!?

Wouldn’t you rather wait until there’s a choice?

Further still on the ‘wHo tHeN!?’ phenomenon - you are not a scout, nor am I, or anyone on here.

Scouts are paid 6 figure incomes by Utd to FIND talent. If you truly believe that the only available choices are what geezers on fecking message boards can name, you should probably write to all PL clubs and let them know that they can save millions every year by sacking all their scouts and simply employing the much more effective recruitment method of ‘wHO tHeN?’.

 

[croadyman]

Many people have given many suggestions many times over and you damn well know it.

The now well worn, and deeply pathetic, ‘wHo tHeN!?’ approach to anyone who has a differing opinion on transfers is extremely fecking tedious, as we all know that YOU don’t think there’s any other viable option, and thus, anyone that gets put forward is already obviously a ‘no’ in your mind.

This reached dizzy new heights regarding Weghorst and any criticism of ETH for bringing him in - ‘who else was possibly available then?’ as if Wout fecking Weghorst was the only striker on Earth available to ETH

Now we’re getting it with this…

‘I’m not sure spunking £65m and add ons on an unproven lad with a handful of goals to his name and a heavy touch is really the best idea’

‘wHo tHeN!?’

If you truly believe that Rasmus Højlund is the wisest way to spend 65m quid, then fair play - I desperately hope you’re right.

But if you do TRULY believe the, ‘there’s no one else out there right now’ angle, then wouldn’t you actually prefer to wait…? Rather than spunk all that money simply because ‘there’s no one else’?

It that the wisest approach to a long term commitment striker!?

Wouldn’t you rather wait until there’s a choice?

Further still on the ‘wHo tHeN!?’ phenomenon - you are not a scout, nor am I, or anyone on here.

Scouts are paid 6 figure incomes by Utd to FIND talent. If you truly believe that the only available choices are what geezers on fecking message boards can name, you should probably write to all PL clubs and let them know that they can save millions every year by sacking all their scouts and simple employing the much more effective recruitment method of ‘wHO tHeN’.

We just aren't in a position to wait when you look at how blunt we have looked in pre season. Yes the likes of Toney might be safer options but then have serious doubts we can get through to January. That's why even if I don’t agree he's the best option we need to pull the trigger

 

[Rhyme Animal]

We just aren't in a position to wait when you look at how blunt we have looked up front in pre season. Yes the likes of Toney might be safer options but then have serious doubts we can get through to January. That's why even if I don’t agree he's the best option we need to pull the trigger

I just don’t think that’s the right approach mate.

It’s one thing to say - ‘I think this lad the real deal’. But if you’re saying, ‘feck knows, but let’s do it due to scarcity mindset’, I’d question whether that’s a wise thing to do.

But each to their own, I’m not trying to tell you what to think.

 

[croadyman]

I just don’t think that’s the right approach mate.

It’s one thing to say - ‘I think this lad the real deal’. But if you’re saying, ‘feck knows, but let’s do it due to scarcity mindset’, I’d question whether that’s a wise thing to do.

But each to their own, I’m not trying to tell you what to think.

On the other hand Erik could really help him flourish given time and the right coaching. Much of this concern is probably down to the fact we haven't gone all in for Kane.

 

[SalfordRed18]

Many people have given many suggestions many times over and you damn well know it.

The now well worn, and deeply pathetic, ‘wHo tHeN!?’ approach to anyone who has a differing opinion on transfers is extremely fecking tedious, as we all know that YOU don’t think there’s any other viable option, and thus, anyone that gets put forward is already obviously a ‘no’ in your mind.

This reached dizzy new heights regarding Weghorst and any criticism of ETH for bringing him in - ‘who else was possibly available then?’ as if Wout fecking Weghorst was the only striker on Earth available to ETH

Now we’re getting it with this…

‘I’m not sure spunking £65m and add ons on an unproven lad with a handful of goals to his name and a heavy touch is really the best idea’

‘wHo tHeN!?’

If you truly believe that Rasmus Højlund is the wisest way to spend 65m quid, then fair play - I desperately hope you’re right.

But if you do TRULY believe the, ‘there’s no one else out there right now’ angle, then wouldn’t you actually prefer to wait…? Rather than spunk all that money simply because ‘there’s no one else’?

It that the wisest approach to a long term commitment striker!?

Wouldn’t you rather wait until there’s a choice?

Further still on the ‘wHo tHeN!?’ phenomenon - you are not a scout, nor am I, or anyone on here.

Scouts are paid 6 figure incomes by Utd to FIND talent. If you truly believe that the only available choices are what geezers on fecking message boards can name, you should probably write to all PL clubs and let them know that they can save millions every year by sacking all their scouts and simply employing the much more effective recruitment method of ‘wHO tHeN?’.

This is a very simple and reductionist way of looking things to be honest.

Previous years you had quality strikers littered through the league and Europe. Your Keane's, Defoes, Ashton's, Martin's, yakubus etc. Not one of them would have got into united starting line up back then despite their quality, but they'd absolutely walk it now. Theres just lack of true quality number 9s in modern football, simply because tactics and roles have changed. The market reflects that, so when you find a young striker with good qualities that can be nurtured, you end up paying a bit more.

 

[Howl]

The difference between United and the three teams you've mentioned is that those three teams were amongst the best teams in the league at playing out from the back. And because they were good at playing out of from the back, they could then raise the defensive line and play the game in the opponent's half, which allowed for a high volume of their players to commit to the attacking third. And hence Brighton scored over 70 goals in the league whilst their starting striker Welbeck scored 6 goals.

United on the other hand were amongst the teams who had the lowest defensive line height and struggled against teams who pressed us high. Improving on that aspect alone by adding Onana, Mount and if possible Ambrabat, will see us get higher up the pitch in a collective block, which will open up even more opportunities for the team to score due to more of our players playing in the opponent's half with the press and counter press also being a additional weapon.

Add a striker to our existing options on top of creating a team structure with the correct pieces from the GK up, so we can player higher up the pitch, and the goals will come imo.

What I want to see is a improvement in the proactive nature in our players so we can play on the front foot higher up the pitch. And if we can make a marked improvement in that regard, then we will get closer to the likes of City, Arsenal, Brighton and Liverpool when it comes to scoring goals. The graph below indicates our issues in comparison to the teams you mentioned.

This is a huge difference maker. If you go back and watch almost any goal under Fergie, you will see we would have 5-6 players in the box getting on the end of a cross. Since that time, we usually have always ended up with 2-3 players giving us a numerical disadvantage. It's the same when you watch City. They have players attacking the 6 yard box which enables the space for the cutback, which they use so effectively. We never do that. Martial likes to sit in the pocket for the cutback, as does Rashford. Bruno being a 10 also does this.

It's the same principle as stretching the pitch to create space, you need to give the defenders something to think about, which having 5 or so opposition players in the box will give.

 

[Adnan]

This is a huge difference maker. If you go back and watch almost any goal under Fergie, you will see we would have 5-6 players in the box getting on the end of a cross. Since that time, we usually have always ended up with 2-3 players giving us a numerical disadvantage. It's the same when you watch City. They have players attacking the 6 yard box which enables the space for the cutback, which they use so effectively. We never do that. Martial likes to sit in the pocket for the cutback, as does Rashford. Bruno being a 10 also does this.

It's the same principle as stretching the pitch to create space, you need to give the defenders something to think about, which having 5 or so opposition players in the box will give.

Spot on mate.

And that has been our biggest issue post Fergie imo and we've for too long become a reactive team rather the the proactive team we were in the 90s and most of 2000s under Fergie. Manchester United played with a high tempo and overloaded the opponent's half where there was wave after wave of attack. Those European nights at Old Trafford were memorable.

The slight difference we need to make to adapt to the current EPL imo is to improve our build up play against well coordinated pressing teams and then to improve our out of possession (OOP) game high up the pitch, so we can effectively press from the front as a collective unit. And we've made moves to improve on that by signing Onana (priority signing imo) and Mount who fit the profile.

Just adding a striker without attempting to improve our build up play would've been foolish imo, considering who our head coach is and how he wants to play and how low our defensive line height was in comparison to the standard set by the competition last season.

Hopefully we can add another deeper lying midfielder along with Hojlund to what we've already signed. And then I'm looking forward to the season to see how things develop on the pitch.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

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Reliable?

 

[JoeyJoJoJrShabadoo]

Pay Atalanta exactly what they ask for? Wouldn't that be foolish?

Start the negotiation process long after the beginning of preseason is what I'm getting at chap

 

[Red in STL]

Sacrilege. There is only one number 99

And that is?

 

[mazhar13]

Reliable?

Somewhat. He tends to be hit or miss but gets lots of exclusives in.

 

[sglowrider]

Start the negotiation process long after the beginning of preseason is what I'm getting at chap

Its ETH's first year. He wasn't to know that Ronaldo would pack up & go and Martial would be made of balsa -- whilst trying to implement his system. And probably had hoped the Greenwood situation would have cleared up by now. Things are a lot more complicated than it appears for most fans.

We know that strikers are the most expensive so we worked on the other first and in parallel, try & increase our outgoing sales. Its not a linear process.

I am sure the scouts had known about Hojlund back in Denmark. But ultimately it will be up to the manager to pull the trigger on whether he thinks a player can fit into his system. We gave him Ronaldo, one of the GOAT and yet he failed to integrate.

The transfer window has been an improvement over the past few years. We got 2 out of the 3 targets in before the main pre-season matches. Hopefully, it will continue to improve.

 

[mu4c_20le]

And that is?

Gretzky I assume

 

[Champ]

The difference between United and the three teams you've mentioned is that those three teams were amongst the best teams in the league at playing out from the back. And because they were good at playing out of from the back, they could then raise the defensive line and play the game in the opponent's half, which allowed for a high volume of their players to commit to the attacking third. And hence Brighton scored over 70 goals in the league whilst their starting striker Welbeck scored 6 goals.

United on the other hand were amongst the teams who had the lowest defensive line height and struggled against teams who pressed us high. Improving on that aspect alone by adding Onana, Mount and if possible Ambrabat, will see us get higher up the pitch in a collective block, which will open up even more opportunities for the team to score due to more of our players playing in the opponent's half with the press and counter press also being a additional weapon.

Add a striker to our existing options on top of creating a team structure with the correct pieces from the GK up, so we can player higher up the pitch, and the goals will come imo.

What I want to see is a improvement in the proactive nature in our players so we can play on the front foot higher up the pitch. And if we can make a marked improvement in that regard, then we will get closer to the likes of City, Arsenal, Brighton and Liverpool when it comes to scoring goals. The graph below indicates our issues in comparison to the teams you mentioned.

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I don't necessarily think playing out from the back allows you to have a higher line,
Engaging further up the pitch does and keeping the ball better in the opponent's half does however.

United created a lot of chances last season, third highest big chances created and missed the second most big chances, so having a low defensive line isn't always a bad thing when it comes to scoring goals, however it can be improved by engaging high up the pitch and keeping possession in the opponent's half better.

 

[Escobar]

I don't necessarily think playing out from the back allows you to have a higher line,
Engaging further up the pitch does and keeping the ball better in the opponent's half does however.

United created a lot of chances last season, third highest big chances created and missed the second most big chances, so having a low defensive line isn't always a bad thing when it comes to scoring goals, however it can be improved by engaging high up the pitch and keeping possession in the opponent's half better.

That is the biggest issue, we dont take our chances. It was a joke at times last season so ETH needs to improve our finishing and get a striker in who just scores

 

[Champ]

That is the biggest issue, we dont take our chances. It was a joke at times last season so ETH needs to improve our finishing and get a striker in who just scores

For sure.

The signings so far signal the intent, Onana will assist in building up the play.
Mount will help with higher pressures and creativity higher up the field.

Hopefully the striker will then produce the final act, taking the chances.

 

[Adnan]

I don't necessarily think playing out from the back allows you to have a higher line,
Engaging further up the pitch does and keeping the ball better in the opponent's half does however.

United created a lot of chances last season, third highest big chances created and missed the second most big chances, so having a low defensive line isn't always a bad thing when it comes to scoring goals, however it can be improved by engaging high up the pitch and keeping possession in the opponent's half better.

If you can't play out from the back against high pressing teams then it will be difficult to play the game in the opponent's half. If you allow the opposition to disrupt your build up play from the back with a well coordinated press, then progression will have to be achieved by going direct and relying on winning second balls. And to quote Roberto de Zerbi (not vertbatim), it's better to play out the from the back beccause it works, rather than gambling by kicking it long and losing control.

Against teams who were adept at pressing us high, we resorted to playing in transition and our away record was awful. And ten Hag himself was asked as to why the away record was so poor and his response was because our build up from the back was poor.

And statistically we struggled against a well coordinated press, especially away from home, where we struggled to get out of our own half against some of the better high pressing teams who absolutely battered us.

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And the graph below again demonstrates our lack of progression from the back and lack of disruption to the opponent's build up. The teams who are nearer to the top scored a lot of goals. Brentford place high up the chart for progression from goal-kicks due to their team being geared up to win the second ball in a more direct style of play with a more physical style of player upfront. . Our team wasn't geared up to win the second ball hence ten Hag would place Weghorst in the central area to try and attempt to win the second ball. And unfortunately he wasn't the best at winning the second ball. And all that was due to the GK not providing the +1 in possession to the requisite standard imo.

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The thoughts below are from a data scientist from Holland who also happens to be a United and Feyenoord fan.

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Of course we also need a striker and unfortunately Ronaldo caused us a issue last season where we had to rely on bringing in a loan signing. But I think as far as team balance is concerned the correct signings have been targeted to create a well rounded team that has the ability to potentially exert control from the back, press high collectively, transition quickly and also control/contain the opponent's transitions on the counter. Hopefully we can add a deeper lying midfielder along with Hojlund before the window shuts.

 

[Bubz27]

Georginio Rutter. 20 years old. £36m.
Matheus Cunha. 24 years old. £43m.
Alexander Isak. 22 years old. £63m.
Emi Buendia. 26 years old. £33.5m.
Chris Wood. 30 years old. £25m.
Patson Daka. 24 years old. £25m.
Ferran Torres. 23 years old. £48m.
Danny Ings. 30 years old. £25m.
Ollie Watkins. 25 years old. £30m.

I just had a quick look at some transfer fees paid for young attackers over the last 18-24 months or so. I threw in Wood and Ings to show what those cheaper fees actually get you now.

I think we'll slightly overpay for Hojlund, nothing more than you'd expect when it's United signing a player unfortunately. I don't think the fee is all that terrible. I don't think it's too far off the going rate for a really promising young striker.

 

[red.knight]

We scored 58 goals in the PL last season, which was just joint-seventh in the table and way behind the standards set by the top two teams. Man City netted a staggering 94 league goals and Arsenal managed a mightily impressive 88. We were also behind the likes of Tottenham and Brighton in the list; in fact, we only scored seven more goals than relegated Leicester. What is even more alarming is that we were so heavily dependent on Rashford as well.

For all the talk of 20 and 30 goal a season strikers, one who can get 15 goals a season in the league is a huge upgrade on the 7 combined between Martial, Ronaldo and Weghorst last season. Even if Martial stays around, he or another backup forward should be able to get 5-6 over the season. It might not get us to 90+ goals in the league, but getting into the 70s is a decent jump without an elite forward. We need to get more production out of our wingers and attacking midfielders: Mount should be good for 7-8 in the league, and we only got 13 combined from Sancho, Garnacho and Antony. Even Bruno’s numbers were down and masked by penalties.

 

[Nickosaur]

Think many will be surprised. This kid is going to be a star.

 

[Judas]

Think many will be surprised. This kid is going to be a star.

I really hope so. I'm hoping with a more natural striking presence up front it will really focus our attack and our chance creation we not be in vain. Imagine Bruno actually having a target up front, hell even Sancho.

 

[Steve 007]

His stats aren’t bad.
He’s 20 has 87 games and 6 internationals (scoring six)
So his stats are 33 goals in 93 games.
At 20 that is a pretty decent return.

 

[Judas]

His stats aren’t bad.
He’s 20 has 87 games and 6 internationals (scoring six)
So his stats are 33 goals in 93 games.
At 20 that is a pretty decent return.

It is. People's perception gets warped by focusing on generational talents. Everyone's compared to the very very best, which just isn't fair or the best way of assessing talent.

 

[Bubz27]

It is. People's perception gets warped by focusing on generational talents. Everyone's compared to the very very best, which just isn't fair or the best way of assessing talent.

The only real concern I have is the comparisons to be honest. He's going to constantly get compared to Haaland because of appearance, similar sounding name and being Scandinavian. He obviously can't live up to that, I'm sure EtH will protect him but he's going to need some thick skin.

 

[Oldyella]

Think many will be surprised. This kid is going to be a star.

Agreed. Hope he hits the ground running, and eases pressure early.

 

[Dannn411]

Think many will be surprised. This kid is going to be a star.

Agreed. He has so many tools that I like. Hold up play looks great, he's quick and has a good shot on him and he's only 20. Few 20 year old strikers i've ever seen are built like that.

 

[UnitedWA]

Hopefully he won't be Haaland from Wish, or that meme with: "Mom can we have Haaland"? Mom: "we have Haaland at home".

 

[OsloRed]

In the top six last season we scored ten less than the next highest scorers, 30 behind arsenal and 36 goals behind city. We were even 14 behind Brighton. We will need a striker to chip in with a lot, unless we are expecting everyone else to up their output by a decent amount. The others players you mentioned all contributed to our meagre total last year.

I'm not trying to be doom and gloom but ultimately we will need to see him score a decent amount if we hope to do anything next season, he will get hammered if he does not. So will ten hag. Not from me but they will.

We are expecting everyone else to up their output, as we should. Last season we underperformed our xG significantly, it won't be on one player to rectify that. Højlunds qualities should be beneficial for those around him as well. A season with more time to work on the training pitch should help. As others pointed out, Brighton scored more than us with Welbeck leading the line. If we still struggle for goals next season Højlund will not be the problem.

 

[sglowrider]

Is Hjolund better than Balogun? Balogun was standout last season in France and is maybe a bit further along in his development. You probably don’t want to sign Arsenal rejects, but I think he’s leaving because they thought he hadn’t developed and he’s suddenly caught up and is now ready to move on.

@1.24 We are interested in Balogun? Comments are interesting:

 

[Syphon Wallet]

His stats aren’t bad.
He’s 20 has 87 games and 6 internationals (scoring six)
So his stats are 33 goals in 93 games.
At 20 that is a pretty decent return.

16 goals in 2177 mins last season all competitions
24 games worth of mins
Goal every 130mins
It's not bad at all for a 20 year old

 

[tidraKS]

He’s coming, matter of days.

 

[pacifictheme]

16 goals in 2177 mins last season all competitions
24 games worth of mins
Goal every 130mins
It's not bad at all for a 20 year old

That is actually really good.

 

[UnsungJisung]

Yesterday it was 1,5 year ago that FCK decided that Hojlund was not worth believing in and he got sold to Sturm Graz for 2,5 mil €. They’re have had a couple of these mobile-looking strikers previously, but never one as fast as Hojlund. It must be the worst transfer business in the world if he soon are in Manchester with a united shirt on.

 

[jamesjimmybyrondean]

I love his hunger for goals in particular. Feel like only Rashford has that in the team while every one else wants to be a playmaker. One criticism I have for Hojlund though is that his finish doesn’t seem reliable

 

[kirk buttercup]

I don't expect him to score bucket loads of goals , what I would like and I think we saw it briefly with Cavani is an actual striker who is a focal point for the team . Having someone dangerous and who is actually a striker will free up and allow players around him to also have a go. It will be nice to have an actual striker. I think he will do well

 

[Penna]

So I assume he's already in England, as Atalanta have a friendly at Bournemouth this afternoon? That's handy.

 

[croadyman]

So I assume he's already in England, as Atalanta have a friendly at Bournemouth this afternoon? That's handy.

All eyes on if he actually is in the squad

 

[Penna]

All eyes on if he actually is in the squad

They would be monumentally stupid to play him!