Rasmus Højlund Wants Security in Next Move Amid Transfer Interest

Rasmus Højlund says he won’t leave Manchester United unless he can exit on his terms.

WHAT DID HØJLUND SAY?

Rasmus Højlund has made it clear to several interested clubs that he prefers a loan move with a guaranteed obligation to buy if he leaves Manchester United this summer. A recent report indicated that Højlund has been identified by Manchester United as a candidate for a loan.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Højlund, 22, seemed to be in Amorim’s plans ahead of the new season. After his £71m move to Old Trafford two years ago, Amorim started him in four of United’s last five league games of the season, even though Højlund did not perform at the expected level, and the team just bought striker Sesko to replace him. However, it has now been made clear that Højlund is not central to manager Ruben Amorim’s plans.

After finishing fifteenth in the Premier League in 2024/25, United lost the Europa League final and Amorim shifted his focus on signing new attackers. As Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko were signed earlier in the window, Højlund was excluded from the matchday squad for United’s 1-0 defeat against Arsenal in the opening game of the new Premier League season last week.

The team also signed Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford this summer. Højlund’s preference for a permanent transfer might take United’s asking price out of several clubs’ reach.

GO DEEPER

An injury to Mbeumo or Cunha could suddenly open an opportunity for Højlund to step up and impress Amorim, but now it seems like a far-fetched scenario. With ten days to go in the English transfer deadline day, it is expected that United will certainly receive loan offers for Højlund. Otherwise, Amorim might start losing credibility with players in his dressing room.

If Amorim believes that Højlund is detrimental to the squad’s chemistry – at a time when his job might come under threat after humiliating battles against relegation in the last two seasons – not accepting a loan offer could send a poor message to the dressing room.