Two Manchester United players 'desperate' for Rasmus Hojlund arrival

Back in May, Luke Shaw said he was expecting Erik ten Hag to make big signings this summer to build on last season’s success.

“Mason [Mount] is exactly the player [Ten Hag] needs around this place,” the England defender subsequently said this week, in a nod of approval to the summer signing. He was also praiseful of second arrival Andre Onana.

“He brings a bit more composure,” Shaw said of the Cameroon star when contrasting and hailing predecessor David de Gea. A new goalkeeper was welcomed and a fresh midfielder is appreciated but it was always the centre-forward area that needed improvement.

Anthony Martial missed 32 matches through injury last season and is yet to feature for United this summer after his latest setback - a hamstring tear - ruled him out of the FA Cup final almost two months ago.

ALSO READ: Onana showed in 10 seconds vs Dortmund why Erik ten Hag brought him

Marcus Rashford netted 30 goals last season, but most of them were from the left wing. His performances as the main striker during the US tour highlighted what United lose when he plays there.

Jadon Sancho has been played as a false nine several times and netted against Arsenal however that is not a long-term solution, but more a mere necessary convenience. If nothing else, Rasmus Hojlund offers consistency to the front line.

That £72m fee will likely not be repaid in his debut season and fans should brace for that. But even if the goals don’t flow, it’s who he frees up that might be most significant.

United trialed this with Wout Weghorst post-January last season, and he did allow Rashford and Antony the freedom to attack. His inability to finish was too much of an issue, though - he was hardly a poacher with two goals in 31 matches.

Hojlund