Rio Ferdinand insists Rasmus Hojlund is ‘suited’ for the Premier League but calls for patience with fans to help the striker settle in.
Rasmus Hojlund became the latest high-profile player Manchester United decided to spend huge amounts of money on. The Red Devils had extensively scoured the market for a new striker. Eventually, they had to settle for the Danish international, possibly due to the unprecedented price tags of other targets.
Manchester United agreed on a €75 million fee with Atalanta for the 20-year-old forward as he awaits an official announcement. This week, Hojlund completed his medicals after arriving at Carrington to finalise his move.
There were some mixed reactions to the signing, especially because of the massive price tag on his head. We profiled Hojlund and determined that he will prove a wise investment for Manchester United. Rio Ferdinand has now echoed our thoughts about giving the striker time to settle in and manage expectations.
There have been many instances when fans have easily turned on new players after a slow start and keeping their heavy price tag in mind. Hojlund is a 20-year-old with one full season in Europe’s top five leagues.
Ferdinand compared a possible situation next season reminiscent of Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez. His comments on the Mirror indicate that the former defender feels Hojlund is ‘suited’ for the Premier League but calls for patience with fans to help the young forward settle in at Old Trafford.
Ferdinand said, “The first thing you’ve got to look at is there’s huge potential. “Anyone who has seen him play will see there are attributes there that you would like. He’s suited to the Premier League. I think the price tag is out of his hands.”
“I look at it like Darwin Nunez from Liverpool. Last season was his adjusting season. He’s a young striker coming to the league, everything about him fits the Premier League perfectly, but it didn’t go as well as he would have liked.”
“But I think this season, we’ll see a different player for Liverpool. It wouldn’t surprise me if that (a slow campaign) happens with Hojlund, although I’d like him to have a better season than Nunez obviously. He may well do but it will take time to adjust.”
“The quality is there but you’re always going to be paying big bucks – it’s Manchester United and English tax. That’s what happens.”
Ferdinand is bang on about letting the forward adapt properly, and his call to the fans to have patience with Hojlund. His primary example, Nunez, somewhat struggled during the early parts of the campaign but came alive as the season drew to a close.
He could have a good season in 2023/24, and only after that should one judge the Uruguayan’s quality. The same goes for Hojlund, who could initially struggle for relevance. But with the proper know-how of the system, the 20-year-old could start putting in good performances.
One other thing was Hojlund’s below-par goal return last season with Atalanta. However, he could start banging in the strikes once he has a settled role in Erik ten Hag’s system. Hojlund could debut for Manchester United on the opening weekend against Wolves and hopefully cap off with a goal.
