Manchester United have reportedly submitted a “letter of interest” in young Danish striker Rasmus Højlund, dubbed ‘the next Haaland’, as a number of clubs are said to have begun circling.
Rasmus Højlund is only 20 years old but has already started to attract the attention of United, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and more this season, as the youngster looks like he could be one of the brightest new talents in world football.
The promising centre-forward currently plays his club football for Serie A side Atalanta after joining them last summer, registering eight goals and three assists in 28 appearances (just 16 starts), but it’s also his performances for Denmark that have seen comparisons drawn to Erling Haaland.
Scoring five goals in just two games during the previous international break, one of which was an impressive hattrick against fellow Nordic nation Finland, both Danish and Italian press have teased that he could be ‘the next Haaland‘ and it looks like United aren’t wanting to miss out on this one.
#mufc, along with Real Madrid, have made an initial enquiry to Atalanta about Rasmus Hojlund's availability this summer. He could be available for £60m. [@DiscoMirror] pic.twitter.com/AgqFFQyhUn
As per Danish outlet B.T., “some of the biggest clubs in the world are courting” the in-demand Dane (as many as five thus far if rumours are to be believed) but United and Real Madrid are said to be the only two that “have concretely shown their interest in the form of a so-called letter of interest”.
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Nevertheless, whilst nothing firm has materialised as yet — with Højlund still without an agent and only likely to entertain another move once he has new representation — this preliminary approach has been described as a “clear indication that the two giants have big thoughts about the Danish golden boy”.
According to the Mirror, it would seem that United now have a three-man shortlist when it comes to their search for a centre-forward, with Højlund said to be just behind the likes of Harry Kane and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, both of which have been linked with moves to Old Trafford.
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It’s been suggested that his signature would cost around £60 million this summer, which might sound like a lot for someone still so young, but with 14 goals and six assists in 36 games across all competitions this season for Atlanta and former club Sturm Graz, you can see why clubs are interested.
Highlight reels like this make the ‘next Haaland’ sound less over the top.
Moreover, it isn’t just these impressive early stats that has seen him slapped with the ‘Haaland 2.0’ tag; hailing from a fellow Scandinavian country doesn’t hurt and nor does a quick turn pace plus his six-foot-two stature — natural attributes that are only further complimented by his apparent finishing ability.
In fact, not only did his coach Gian Piero Gasperini say there are lots of similarities “especially in acceleration… low centre of gravity and an incredible stride frequency”, but even Højlund himself has compared himself to the Norwegian striking sensation in the past.
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Lastly, it’s no secret that United are in need of a proper number nine and, equally, the forward said back in January that he “can’t hide the fact that [he is] a huge Manchester United fan” and that a move “would be one of the biggest things for me”.
Would you like to see ‘the next Haaland’ up front for United, Reds, or do you want a more proven talent?
Featured Image — Rasmus Højlund/Erling Haaland (via Instagram)
Sport
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
Inside Manchester’s new padel club with a Pot Kettle Black cafe and courtside cocktail bar
Daisy Jackson
Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and it’s really picking up speed in Manchester now too with another city centre club opening this month.
The Pollen Club is a little different to the others, in that it’s fully undercover and protected from Manchester’s less-than-favourable weather.
And another thing that makes it a must-visit is the cafe attached to it – a third site for the beloved Pot Kettle Black.
The Pollen Club and Pot Kettle Black have both taken over a prominent city centre spot just off Deansgate, at the foot of the recently-opened Treehouse Hotel.
There are two state-of-the-art padel courts inside, with a mezzanine terrace for enjoy Pot Kettle Black’s offerings.
In summer, there are plans to launch a bar downstairs too, where you can sip spritzes courtside from loungers and swing seats.
The exciting new Manchester padel club will host pop up events, DJ takeovers and an extended evening food offering.
Pot Kettle Black are part of the new padel clubInside Manchester’s new padel club, The Pollen ClubPot Kettle Black are part of the new padel club
And even if you’re not heading inside The Pollen Club, Pot Kettle Black has a grab-and-go hatch facing onto Blackfriars Street, making their delicious coffees, sandwiches and pastries (from their own bakery Half Dozen Other) even more accessible.
Commenting on the opening of the new site, Pot Kettle Black co-owner, Mark Flanagan said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have opened our third Pot Kettle Black site at The Padel Club. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team.
“After ten years in the city we’ve been enjoying seeing some familiar faces stopping by for a coffee and we can’t wait to get started on our programme of summer events!”
Danny Jones -
20th April 2023 
