Transfer stories often take shape when one player’s situation changes, and that seems to be the case with Rasmus Højlund.
AC Milan have made their interest clear in the Manchester United striker, opening the door for what could become one of the more intriguing moves of this transfer window.
With United manager Ruben Amorim sending strong signals about the Dane’s role, speculation is only intensifying.
Limited Minutes at United
Højlund’s future in Manchester looks uncertain after being left out of the squad in United’s opening match of the season, a defeat to Arsenal.
That absence followed a noticeable pattern — the 22-year-old striker didn’t get a single minute in United’s final pre-season game against Fiorentina either.
Reports suggest Amorim has been upfront with him, warning that his game time could be heavily reduced following the arrival of Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig.
With a new striker now ahead of him in the pecking order, Højlund faces the challenge of proving his worth all over again.
Milan’s Proposal on the Table
Milan’s sporting director Igli Tare has confirmed that Højlund is firmly on their radar.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster Mediaset, he described the Danish forward as “a good option” while adding that transfer dealings are always unpredictable.
Milan have reportedly gone beyond just admiration, putting forward an initial loan offer of £4.5 million with an option to make the deal permanent for £39 million.
This approach fits Milan’s recent transfer strategy of targeting younger players with potential resale value, and Højlund, who has already shown flashes of brilliance in the Premier League, fits that mold.
Fulham Watching Closely
Milan aren’t alone in this race.
Fulham are also monitoring the striker’s situation, particularly as their current forward Rodrigo Muniz has drawn interest from Atalanta.
The London side might see Højlund as the perfect replacement, given his Premier League experience and physical profile.
However, competition from Milan could complicate matters, especially if Højlund leans toward a move back to Serie A, where he made his name with Atalanta before joining United in 2023.
The Player’s Own Stance
Despite the uncertainty, Højlund has been holding firm.
The striker has made it clear that he wants to stay and fight for his spot at Old Trafford, even if that means facing reduced minutes early in the season.
His determination speaks to his mentality, but being excluded from the squad against Arsenal could test his resolve.
It’s one thing to declare loyalty, but quite another to accept being sidelined week after week while others take the chances he craves.
Amorim’s Firm Warning
Manager Ruben Amorim hasn’t minced his words.
He publicly reminded Højlund that at a club like Manchester United, no one is guaranteed a place.
“If you don’t do what’s required, a teammate will take your spot,” Amorim said.
He went further to emphasize that Højlund has to earn his place, especially since he shares similar qualities with new signing Šeško.
The message is clear — either the young Dane raises his standards, or he risks being overshadowed by fresh arrivals.
Numbers Don’t Lie
Since arriving from Atalanta in the summer of 2023, Højlund has managed 26 goals in 95 appearances for United.
While that tally shows promise, it also highlights inconsistency, especially for a striker leading the line at a club of United’s stature.
Critics argue he hasn’t fully adapted to the pace and demands of the Premier League, while supporters believe his ceiling remains high and that letting him leave now could be premature.
What Comes Next?
The coming weeks could be decisive.
If Højlund continues to be overlooked by Amorim, the pressure to reconsider his stance will grow.
Milan’s proposal offers him a chance at regular football in a league where he once thrived, while Fulham present a way to remain in England and prove his worth.
For United, the question is whether holding onto him makes sense when he may struggle for game time, or whether cashing in could benefit all parties.
Højlund stands at a crossroads: fight his way back into United’s plans or embrace a fresh start elsewhere.
With the transfer window still open, this is a story that could gather even more momentum in the days ahead.
