The winds of change are blowing at Old Trafford, and Rasmus Højlund could soon find himself swept up in them. According to recent reports, Manchester United are now open to offloading the Danish striker this summer, at a hefty loss, amid growing interest from Juventus.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS-led overhaul taking shape, the Red Devils appear ready to cut ties with several underperforming stars. And in the case of Højlund, it could mean a second chance in Serie A—at a discounted rate.
Manchester United’s Offensive Woes Continue
Lack of Firepower Hurts United’s Progress
It’s no secret that Manchester United have struggled in the attacking third this season. Despite flashes of brilliance and a few standout performances, consistency has been sorely lacking. The pressure has often fallen on Bruno Fernandes to spark creativity, but even the Portuguese playmaker can’t carry the team alone.
Under interim manager Rúben Amorim, there have been glimpses of promise, but not enough to suggest a long-term solution is in place, especially up top. The Red Devils lack a reliable goal scorer who can consistently break through opposition defenses.
Zirkzee and Højlund: Encouraging, But Not Enough
The recent goal from Joshua Zirkzee in a midweek match against Lyon was a rare highlight in a season filled with attacking frustration. That header marked only his seventh goal across all competitions—a figure far below expectations for a club of Manchester United’s stature.
And while Højlund has shown tenacity and work ethic, his impact in front of goal has been underwhelming. Amorim praised both forwards post-match, saying:
“Sometimes the most important player in the game is the one who comes on. [Zirkzee] did his job quite well. But again, Rasmus, especially during the first half, he did a lot of runs and pushed the team forward in a moment we were struggling to press. So he did his job.”
Still, praise in press conferences won’t be enough to save a player’s spot when the club is bracing for a major rebuild. And it seems that Højlund may be one of the first casualties of INEOS’s restructuring plans.
INEOS Ready to Clear the Deck
Højlund Among Players on the Chopping Block
The arrival of INEOS at Old Trafford has brought a renewed focus on data-driven recruitment and financial pragmatism. For a club that’s often spent big without seeing proportional returns, this shift marks a significant change in strategy.
One of the standout concerns is the money spent on underperforming players, and Højlund’s price tag looms large. Manchester United splashed £72 million to secure him in 2023, hoping he’d become the next prolific striker to lead the line at Old Trafford.
Unfortunately, that plan hasn’t panned out. Now, according to Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, United are reportedly prepared to let Højlund go for £52 million, representing a £20 million loss.
Juventus Eyeing a Bargain Deal
With this discount in play, Juventus has emerged as a potential suitor for the Danish international. The Serie A giants are known for capitalizing on undervalued or unsettled talent from abroad, and Højlund could be their next project.
Though there’s been no formal approach from Juventus yet, the rumors alone suggest that his time in Manchester may be nearing its end. Napoli have also been previously linked with Højlund, but interest appears to have cooled.
Højlund’s Stats: A Closer Look
Numbers Don’t Lie
When evaluating a striker’s performance, stats matter—and in Højlund’s case, they’ve been underwhelming:
- Goals in All Competitions: Less than 10
- Minutes Played: Over 2,000
- Conversion Rate: Below 15%
- Weekly Wages: Reportedly £85,000
Those numbers don’t reflect a player who cost the club nearly £75 million. While the 21-year-old’s work ethic is undeniable, end-product is what counts in front of goal. With INEOS aiming to tighten finances and maximize value, underperforming assets like Højlund become expendable.
Why a Move to Juventus Makes Sense
Serie A Familiarity and Development Potential
Returning to Italy may be the reset button Højlund needs. Before joining Manchester United, he played for Atalanta, where he enjoyed a promising spell. A move to Juventus would mean returning to a league that suits his playstyle—tactically driven, physically demanding, and patient in build-up.
At Juventus, he’d likely face less immediate pressure than at United. The slower pace of Serie A compared to the Premier League might also help him rediscover his confidence and scoring touch.
Juventus’s History with Reviving Careers
Juventus has a track record of rehabilitating careers. From Paul Pogba’s initial rise in Turin to the resurgence of players like Carlos Tevez and Álvaro Morata, the club provides a fertile environment for talent looking to bounce back.
If Højlund can find his form, a cut-price transfer could prove to be a steal for the Bianconeri.
What This Means for Manchester United
Financial Flexibility Ahead of the Summer Window
Offloading Højlund would free up significant wage space and recoup a large chunk of the transfer fee. With financial fair play (FFP) regulations tightening, United must be smarter about who they bring in and who they let go.
By selling Højlund, the club could reinvest in a more proven goal scorer—someone capable of hitting the ground running. Names like Victor Osimhen, Ivan Toney, or even a possible return for Romelu Lukaku have floated in transfer rumors.
Message Sent: Performance Matters
This potential sale also sends a message to the rest of the squad: no one is untouchable. Under the new INEOS regime, big names and big price tags won’t guarantee job security. It’s a move toward accountability—one that many fans have been calling for.
What’s Next for Højlund?
The Clock is Ticking
If Højlund is to salvage his career at Manchester United, time is running out. With the summer transfer window approaching, decisions will be made quickly. Pre-season camps begin in July, and INEOS will want a clear picture of their squad before then.
For the Danish striker, a move to Juventus might not just be a possibility—it could be the best next step for his development and future.
End of the Road at Old Trafford?
While Rasmus Højlund’s Manchester United story may not have had the fairy-tale ending fans hoped for, it’s far from the end of the road for his career. A move to Juventus—or another Serie A side—could offer the reset he needs, while United continues its transformation under INEOS.
Selling him at a £20 million loss is not ideal, but sometimes cutting your losses is better than waiting for a miracle. United’s focus now must be on building a team that can truly compete—and that starts with making the hard choices.