In truth, it was difficult to know what to expect really from one of Erik ten Hag’s more expensive Manchester United signings.
We pretty much knew what we were getting from Andre Onana, having played a starring role in Inter Milan’s run to the 2023 Champions League final. A goalkeeper far more comfortable with the ball at his feet than his Old Trafford predecessor, David de Gea.
Mason Mount, meanwhile, made the trip from Chelsea to Manchester United with over 120 Premier League appearances under his belt.
But when it came to Rasmus Hojlund, it was far more difficult to predict what sort a role he would play, or whether the £64 million signing from Atalanta would make the required step up after only one season of regular football in a major European league.
As the Denmark international took his tally to 15 with a clinical right-footed finish in Wednesday’s 3-2 win over Newcastle, however, the overarching feeling was that Hojlund’s first season in United red had been – if not a rip-roaring success story – then certainly a pretty pleasant surprise.
Rasmus Hojlund hits 15 for Manchestrer United
Given United’s struggles when it comes to creating goalscoring opportunities, 15 is arguably better than we could have hoped for given the lack of quality service. Hojlund’s conversion rate – a frightening 24 per cent – is actually higher than that of Erling Haaland.
Imagine what the 21-year-old could do in a more settled, unselfish, mature frontline.
Former Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner believes that, if Hojlund can retain his place as United’s number one centre-forward during the Ineos era, even better days could be just around the corner.
“What is difficult is that United have to bring in a lot of players. So, the question is where they will bring in these three or four top players who will come in and strengthen the team,” the one-time Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal frontman begins, speaking on his Stolpe ind podcast.
“The forward position could be one of them, and (there is a chance) that Hojlund is withdrawn and plays maybe 20 games a year instead, unless he becomes a firebrand. He could do that too.
“He has plenty of games in him. He has the potential to be really, really good, also at United.”
A bright future awaits £64m Red Devil
In Bendtner’s view, has Hojlund been a success as a Manchester United player?
“I would say that, in terms of (his playing style), no,” the 36-year-old adds. “But I would say that about the entire United team. In terms of attitude, I would say yes.
“I think his attitude has been top class. I really like his attitude.”
Andy Cole, the legendary Man United goal-getter, shares Bendtner’s concerns over Hojlund’s style. He feels the youngster needs to focus less than wrestling with centre-halves and more on making the kind of intelligent, instinctive runs that earned him a place in the Premier League’s record books back in February.
But with only one Premier League season in a struggling team under his belt, the potential Hojlund has at his fingertips – presuming he can iron out the kinks in his game – is nothing short of fearsome.
“(Hojlund) showed his power, showed his strength. It will be a huge lift for him. Absolutely huge,” United’s all-time record goalscorer Wayne Rooney told Sky Sports after the striker ended a recent barren run late on against Newcastle.
“There’s a skill to shooting through keepers legs. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer used to do that and I think (Hojlund) did that intentionally. So it’s a great finish
“I’m really pleased for him that he got his goal tonight.”