MANCHESTER UNITED’S interest in Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund has played a part in his dip in form, his manager has revealed.
The Red Devils are in the market for someone to lead the line for Erik ten Hag’s side next season.
And Danish attacker – who has been dubbed Erling Haaland 2.0 – has been the subject of rumours around an Old Trafford move as a result of his superb performances.
But in recent months he has dropped off, with just one goal in his last seven Serie A appearances – which came at the weekend.
And while Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini recognises there are numerous reasons for this, he insists transfer speculation has been one of them.
Speaking to Tuttosport, he said: “The qualities are all there, at the beginning we had to get to know him but he immediately stood out for his great will to break through.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
“He did very well after the first stop [part of the season], then he was called up to the national team and too many rumours distracted him, then there was the [abductor] injury.”
He went on to add: “Today’s goal demonstrates his power, if he knows how to improve he can take away great satisfaction.
“You have to know how to accept his moments, he will mature in all aspects.”
Hojlund, 20, has contributed 15 goals and six assists in 40 appearances for Atalanta this season.
Most read in Football
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen are understood to be the leading candidates on Man Utd’s wishlist of strikers.
But Hojlund is undoubtedly in the frame and revealed his love for the Red Devils earlier this year.
He said: “Now that you ask, I will not hide the fact that I am a huge Manchester United fan.
“So personally, it would be one of the biggest things for me [to sign for United], but of course that doesn’t mean that I would turn down other big clubs if the offers come at some point.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
