Why Manchester United won't regret signing Rasmus Hojlund instead of Harry Kane

A Scandinavian striker signs for a club based out of Manchester. Where have we seen this before? If Rasmus Højlund is anything like Erling Haaland, then Manchester United have secured a forward for at least the next decade.

Højlund, 20, could complete his move to United from Atalanta in the coming days as the clubs have agreed a fee for the striker that could be worth up to £72million.

The forward scored nine goals in 20 league starts last season for the Bergamo-based club. These aren’t eye-catching stats by any stretch but are good numbers when you consider his age and the fact that it was his debut season with the club, playing in a country that is renowned for being defensive.

United weren't the only team interested in securing his services. Paris Saint-Germain were in the mix for Højlund and even made an offer worth £43m. But Manchester United did not waver. They wanted the Danish striker and bided their time to get him.

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The forward has showcased mental fortitude thus far. Højlund was brought into Atalanta to come off the bench but quickly showcased his abilities and became a starter after replacing La Dea’s starting forward Duvan Zapata. The 20-year-old is becoming more and more clinical in front of goal while managing to get most of his shots on target; 64% of his shots in the league last season were on target.

More importantly, this is astute business from United. There are not many young forwards in European football who have the potential to be as good as Højlund. Getting him into the club even for a mammoth fee before he realises his potential and becomes a player worth over 100 million is an integral part of this deal