Man Utd now target prolific striker overlooked in favour of Hojlund signing

Manchester United may reconsider a player they overlooked in favor of Rasmus Højlund back in 2023.

Højlund, now 21, rose through Copenhagen’s youth ranks before a brief stint at Sturm Graz in 2022 led to a move to Atalanta later that year.

His 10 goals and 4 assists in 34 games for the Serie A side caught the attention of numerous clubs, including United, who were managed by Erik ten Hag at the time.

In the summer of 2023, United made an ambitious £72 million move for Højlund—a significant gamble given his limited experience.

However, the Danish striker delivered in his debut season, scoring 16 goals across all competitions, helping United lift the FA Cup, even as the team struggled to an eighth-place finish in the Premier League.

Yet, to secure Højlund’s signature, United passed on another rising star who might have thrived under Old Trafford’s lights: Randal Kolo Muani.

The French international, who broke through Nantes’ academy in 2018, scored 23 goals in 87 appearances before moving to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022.

He flourished in the Bundesliga, amassing 26 goals and 17 assists in 50 games, drawing interest from top clubs across Europe.

Despite Kolo Muani’s impressive stats, United opted for Højlund due to his younger age, greater long-term potential, and slightly lower price tag, along with Ten Hag’s personal preference for the Danish striker.

Kolo Muani eventually joined Paris Saint-Germain in a £76.4 million deal in September 2023. However, his time in Ligue 1 has been underwhelming, with just two goals in ten appearances this season—a stark contrast to his prolific form in Germany.

Fast forward to January 2025, and reports suggest United may be exploring a loan move for Kolo Muani.

According to The Athletic, United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Juventus are all interested in the versatile 6ft 2in forward. United’s current lack of firepower is evident, with Højlund managing just two Premier League goals this season.

Comparatively, Juventus’ Dušan Vlahović and Spurs’ Dominic Solanke have netted seven league goals each.

New United manager Ruben Amorim, who succeeded Ten Hag in November, is keen to reshape the squad.

With Marcus Rashford’s future at the club uncertain, Amorim faces the prospect of relying solely on Højlund as a central striker—a risky scenario if the young Dane faces injury or loss of form.

Kolo Muani’s ability to play as a striker or winger adds to his appeal, providing positional versatility that could complement United’s attacking options, including the in-form Amad Diallo on the wing.

A move for Kolo Muani could help Amorim address United’s immediate needs while offering an opportunity for the Frenchman to revive his career after a challenging stint at PSG.