Rasmus Hojlund: Denmark’s Golden Boy and Manchester United Striker

Rasmus Hojlund is Denmark’s golden boy and star striker for Manchester United, blessed with an eye for goal, blistering pace, grit and physical strength.

He forms part of a youthful core at United alongside Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo hoping to return Man Utd to their glory days. On the international stage, he plays alongside Danish legend Christian Eriksen, Kasper Schmeichel and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

His journey from playing for the local clubs in Denmark to gracing the Premier League with Manchester United is a story of overcoming rejection and mental strength. Join us as we explore the journey of Denmark’s Golden Boy Rasmus Hojlund.

Player Profile – Rasmus Winther Hojlund

Rasmus Højlund is a promising Danish forward who plays for Manchester United and Denmark. He is known for his physical prowess and potential.

Højlund combines strength, speed, and technical skill, making him a formidable presence on the field. His playing style is characterized by his ability to dominate defenders physically and his blistering pace.

After progressing through various youth academies and making an early professional debut, Højlund recently transferred to Manchester United.

Player Profile Overview

Rasmus Hojlund’s Early Life and Background

Rasmus Winther Højlund was born in Copenhagen on February 4, 2003, to parents Anders Højlund and Kirsten Winther and he is the eldest of three boys. His brothers twins, Oscar and Emil Højlund, also play professional football for Copenhagen.

During his time at Copenhagen, he was rejected by the club who hurriedly sold him off to Sturm Graz. He overcame this setback by becoming one of the most feared strikers in world football today.

First Glimpses of Rasmus Hojlund’s Talent: Youth Academy Days

The youth academies of Denmark are renowned for their ability to polish rough diamonds, and Rasmus Hojlund was no exception. Rasmus Højlund began his youth football career with HUI and Brøndby before joining Copenhagen’s youth system.

He made his professional debut for Copenhagen at 17 on October 25, 2020. During the 2021–22 season, he showcased his goalscoring instincts when he played in European competitions.

The Danish striker scored five goals in the UEFA Europa Conference League during the qualification rounds and main tournaments.

Rasmus Højlund transferred to Austrian Bundesliga club Sturm Graz for a reported fee of €1.8 million. During his time at the club, he scored 12 goals in 21 games across all competitions.

Hojlund’s European Adventure: From Atalanta to Man Utd

On 27 August 2022, Højlund joined Serie A club Atalanta for a reported €17 million. He scored his first goal for the team on 5 September in a 2–0 win against Monza.

Initially, Hojlund was used as a substitute, however, he secured a starting position due to the poor form and injuries of Duván Zapata. In January 2023, he impressed by scoring four goals in four consecutive games.

His impressive form and potential saw several top European clubs express their interest in him. After a single season with Atalanta, he made the move to England joining Manchester United.

Rasmus Hojlund is a Red Devil

Manchester United reached an agreement to sign Rasmus Højlund from Atalanta on the Behest of Manager Erik ten Hag. The transfer was for an initial fee of £64 million, with an additional £8 million in potential performance-related add-ons.

Højlund signed a five-year contract with an option for an extra year. His official announcement as a United player occurred on August 5, 2023, pending international clearance.

Adapting to Life at Manchester United

Rasmus Højlund made his Manchester United debut on 3 September, replacing Anthony Martial in a 3-1 Premier League loss to Arsenal. He scored his first goal for the club on 20 September in a 4-3 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.

In United’s next Champions League match against Galatasaray, Højlund scored twice and was named man of the match despite a 3-2 loss. On 8 November, he scored twice again in a 4-3 defeat to his former club Copenhagen, becoming the youngest player to score twice in an away Champions League match for Manchester United.

Rasmus Hojlund’s Premier League Form

After struggling to find his feet in the Premier League for Manchester United, Rasmus Hojlund netted his first Premier League goal on 26 December, securing a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

Rasmus Højlund had a standout period with Manchester United beginning on 4 February 2024, when he scored the opening goal in a 3–0 win against West Ham United, coinciding with his 21st birthday.

A week later, he scored in a 2–1 away victory over Aston Villa, becoming the second-youngest player to score in five successive Premier League matches. Hojlund scored twice in a 2–1 win over Luton Town, breaking Joe Willock‘s record as the youngest player to score in six consecutive Premier League games.

His impressive performances earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award for February, making him the first Danish player to win it. Højlund performances helped Manchester United to a 2–1 victory over Manchester City, winning his first trophy with the club as a late substitute for Marcus Rashford.

Hojlund’s first season at Machester United was marred by several separate injuries which hampered his performances this season. However, the Dane has shown enough to leave Man United fans to be optimistic about the future.

Rasmus Hojlund’s International Career

Rasmus Højlund played youth international football for Denmark across various age levels. His international career started with the U16s and played through to the U21 before making his senior international debut in September 2022.

Højlund made his debut for the Danish national team, playing against Croatia and France in the UEFA Nations League. On March 23, 2023, he made his first international start, scoring a hat-trick in a 3-1 victory over Finland during the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers, marking his first goals for Denmark.

He concluded the EURO 2024 qualification phase as Denmark’s top scorer with seven goals, helping Demark reach the finals taking place in Germany.

Rasmus Hojlund’s Playing Style and Strengths

Rasmus Højlund is a versatile forward known for his speed, strength, and technical skill. He excels in making incisive runs, holding off defenders, and maintaining possession. With strong dribbling and finishing abilities, he can score with both feet and is a threat in the air.

Højlund’s high work rate and intelligent movement off the ball make him a constant goal-scoring threat, contributing both offensively and defensively to his team’s efforts.

Comparisons With Other Football Greats

Rasmus Hojlund has been compared to Erling Haaland, one of the world’s most explosive forwards. They possess similar physical structures standing at 6ft 3in. Hojlund also exhibits impressive pace and the ability to overpower defenders.

Although he hasn’t scored as prolifically as Haaland, which is something few players in history have managed. His potential is generating significant excitement among Manchester United fans and optimism he can score like his fellow Scandinavian.

Influences and Idols

Hojlund has mentioned Cristiano Ronaldo as his idol and who he looked up to growing up in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Rasmus Hojlund also named the other two members of the attacking trio that won United the Champions League in 2008 Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez as other players he idolises.

Rasmus Hojlund’s Personal Life and Interests

Rasmus Hojlund is a lifelong Manchester United fan and is living his dream of playing for the Red Devils. Hojlund is in a romantic relationship with Laura Rhod Sondergaard. She has been seen regularly supporting her partner from the stands at Old Trafford.

He enjoys playing Badminton during his off time and likes to play the guitar which he demonstrated in celebration when he scored against West Ham.

Conclusion

Rasmus Højlund stands out as a highly talented and versatile forward known for his exceptional speed, physical prowess, and technical finesse.

His dedication to improving his game and his relentless work ethic make him a promising player to watch, poised to make significant contributions to his team’s success in the future.