Both have a mop of blond hair and are taller than 6 feet. In the final third, both players are vicious. And both might be playing for Manchester clubs by the start of the upcoming Premier League season.
United manager Erik ten Hag stated on Monday that the team had made strides in their look for a new striker.
Hojlund, 20, continues to be the top target, although the Red Devils are hesitant to match Atalanta’s £60 million asking price for the international from Denmark.
But what would he contribute to United’s and the Premier League’s offense, and can he really compete with Haaland?
Hojlund started his senior career at Copenhagen, making his debut at the age of 17 in 2020, after youth stints at Boldklubben af 1893 and Brondby.
He struggled with the Danish Superliga while still a young player and left in January 2022 without scoring in 19 league games, only two of which were starts.
His career was given a major boost when he joined the Austrian team Sturm Graz.
Hojlund scored every other game in the second half of the 2021–22 season, tallying nine goals in 17 starts.
The potential is thus present, but when you contrast Hojlund’s figures with those of Haaland, you can see how far behind the Norwegian he is.
Last season, Haaland scored 36 goals in 35 league games for Manchester City, one per 77 minutes. Hojlund scored a goal every 204 minutes in Serie A.
However, Haaland is two years older, plays for the European champions, had a record-breaking season, and is further along in his career.
Hojlund has played professionally for just two complete seasons. In his second season, Haaland only scored 12 goals in 25 games for Molde.
Hojlund can be shaped and improved, and while he is not yet perfect, he might end up being the ideal fit for United’s starting XI.
Hojlund has shown flashes of how deadly he can be; his goal against Lazio last year was Haaland-like. Hojlund ran from the halfway line, slipped past two defenders, and slid in to grab a cross as Ademola Lookman began a counterattack down the left flank.
With the help of wingers like Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Jadon Sancho, United may have one of the Premier League’s quickest front threes.
Hojlund, though, possesses a deft touch as well and averages around 10 more touches per game than Haaland.
He resembles a winger in certain ways but is built more like a number nine.
A center-forward is needed by United. Rashford has emerged as the team’s talisman after Anthony Martial was absent for a large portion of the previous season due to injuries.
The English striker had an outstanding season last year, hitting one goal every 143 minutes while playing in 56 games. However, he is most effective cutting in on his stronger right foot from wide on the left.
Wout Weghorst was on loan from Burnley when this transfer window opened, but United decided against making a permanent deal for him.
They have specifically decided against making overtures to world-class frontmen Harry Kane of Tottenham and Kylian Mbappe of Paris St. Germain.
With Hojlund, they would acquire undeveloped potential.
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