Manchester United ‘offered TWO players in exchange to try and get a move over the line for Rasmus Hojlund this summer… but Atalanta flatly refused and wanted a cash-only deal’

• Man United signed striker Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta for £72m this summer
• Click here to watch the IAKO Battle of Old Trafford YouTube Special from the Mail Sport Studios
• Mail Sport’s new WhatsApp Channel: Get the breaking news and exclusives here 

Manchester United reportedly offered two players to Atalanta in their attempts to sign Rasmus Hojlund this summer.

After a prolonged pursuit, amid rival interest from PSG, United completed a £72million move for the Danish striker at the end of July. 

Erik ten Hag was desperate to bring in attacking reinforcements after relying on the inconsistent Anthony Martial, along with January loan signing Wout Weghorst last season. 

Hojlund’s United debut was delayed after scans detected a back problem during the 20-year-old’s medical, but the Dane has impressed in his three appearances for the club and netted his first Red Devils goal during the 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Despite his tender age, Hojlund already looks like a shrewd investment by Erik ten Hag, but, according to The Athletic, United’s initial struggles to agree a deal with Atalanta led to them offering two first team players in exchange.

Manchester United offered two players to Atalanta in their attempts to sign Rasmus Hojlund

Erik ten Hag also had a key role in the signing after having several video calls with Hojlund

The report states how Lee Congerton, Atalanta’s head of senior recruitment, believed Hojlund was worth €100m (£87m).

This meant United kept other options open in case the Serie A side refused to budge, with Randal Kolo Muani – who eventually joined PSG for €95m (£83m) – lined up as an alternative.

In an attempt to offset the cost and get the deal done, United offered midfielders Donny van de Beek and Fred in exchange.

However, this was flatly refused by Atalanta, who solely wanted cash, before a deal was eventually struck between the clubs at £72m. 

Ten Hag was reportedly a key figure in the move, holding several video calls with Hojlund, which led to the player appreciating how much United’s manager wanted to sign him. 

The Dutchman was able to suss out Hojlund during the conversations and is said to have become convinced the forward’s strong character and personality would mean he could cope with the pressure of playing for a club like United.

He is believed to have been impressed by Hojlund’s desire to keep improving and felt his personality also put him above others in the list of potential attacking additions.

United offered Donny van de Beek (left) and Fred (right) to Atalanta to try and get a deal done

Hojlund made his debut earlier in September after being described as a ‘beast’ in training

The 20-year-old eventually made his debut off the bench against Arsenal earlier this month.

He impressed and helped tee up Alejandro Garnacho’s disallowed goal, while he also provided an important outlet for his team. 

United staff felt this resembled his performances in training, where he was reportedly described as a ‘beast’. 

Figures at the club are happy at the early signs of the transfer and will hope Wednesday’s goal against Bayern is the first of many.

Ten Hag’s side return to action on Saturday evening when they travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley at 8PM.

Source: Read Full Article