Manchester United would be making same Rasmus Hojlund mistake with Ryan Gravenberch transfer

Manchester United's high-stakes gamble on Rasmus Hojlund is proving to be a duff hand so far.

That's not a judgement on the player himself because how can a player be judged when he hasn't even kicked a ball? But there lies the problem. United needed to recruit a proven goal scorer, a striker who could come in and make an immediate impact on a misfiring forward line.

But Hojlund has arrived at Old Trafford with a back injury and he is yet to be given a return date. Instead, Erik ten Hag is having to persevere with Marcus Rashford in a central role where he does not perform at his best. Alejandro Garnacho is continuing to struggle when starting matches and Antony is yet to fulfill his massive price tag.

Yet, even once Hojlund is fit, there is no promise he will be a success. His inclusion alone would likely be positive as he would give a proper focal point and allow Rashford to return to the left but we won't know how good he is at sticking the ball in the back of the net until he finally pulls on the shirt. The 20-year-old has 33 senior goals to his name so far which isn't bad for a player of his age but it does not make him the guaranteed source of goals United need.

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In a summer where Harry Kane finally flew his Tottenham nest, their £72million bet on Hojlund is almost as risky as putting it all on zero. If United were already an established force with a solid core of great and consistent players, experimenting with a highly-rated start wouldn't be so contentious. Manchester City can splash £55.5m on Jeremy Doku, who