Manchester United have had plenty of near arrivals in recent years but now the details of one have been disclosed, and it was the correct decision.
Summer 2024 sees Manchester United desperate to strengthen in the number nine position with Rasmus Hojlund the only natural option right now.
This has led to links to multiple potentially excellent choices with Matheus Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee among the most recent.
However, 12 months ago, a striker was also on the cards at Old Trafford and before opting to sign Hojlund, United went through several interesting options.
Harry Kane once looked the top priority while multiple other choices were considered and now it’s been reported that Erik ten Hag actually met with one, before deciding against making that move.
Erik ten Hag rejected the chance to sign Randal Kolo Muani
One name that was long considered during the summer 2023 window was Randal Kolo Muani who rose to notoriety during the 2022 World Cup.
Now, according to a report by The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell, Kolo Muani was actually met by Ten Hag in London as the two clubs negotiated over a price and United mulled over which striker to sign.
The result of this meeting was that Kolo Muani simply wasn’t of the required standard and ultimately Hojlund was signed instead.
The “dazzling” French talent Kolo Muani then went on to make a £72.7 million move to PSG in September where he scored just nine goals in 40 appearances, a tally which almost justifies Ten Hag’s call.
Erik ten Hag was just right to reject Kolo Muani’s move
Last summer there was little to choose from between Hojlund and Kolo Muani, but fast forward a year and it looks like the correct decision.
When compared, Hojlund is four years the junior of Kolo Muani and yet in his first season had a far better debut campaign.
This all but proves that Ten Hag made the correct decision in choosing Hojlund, with the Dane at 21, already a better player than Kolo Muani at 25.
Next season, we expect Hojlund will easily break the 20-goal barrier and continue proving Ten Hag correct for the faith he showed.