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”.
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.
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.
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
Alejandro Garnacho set for Premier League switch as Manchester United shuffle attacking lineup
Danny Jones
Young Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho looks set to make a switch to another Premier League team as he has reportedly already reached an agreement regarding personal terms with his next club: Chelsea.
The promising winger, who graduated from Man United’s academy setup and has quickly made an impact even in just a short time in the first team, is now believed to be London-bound very soon, with Chelsea now “close” to completing a deal for the 21-year-old.
While there are no doubts surrounding his talent and potential, it is said the rift between him and the United head coach comes down to personality, character and conduct, with the latter not shying away from sharing grievances publicly.
🚨 Chelsea have stepped up talks with Manchester United over deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho. Clubs in touch on topic for some time & now advancing amid Benjamin Sesko joining #MUFC. 21yo winger wants #CFC or nothing + expects move to happen @TheAthleticFChttps://t.co/vdc1dtnA0p
According to The Athletic, it now looks as though after having agitated for a move, Garnacho has got his wish and is set for the capital, in a move which could see him become the 51st senior player to sign for the Blues under Todd Boehly’s ownership.
It is, quite frankly, a staggering number – especially given the fact that he only purchased the club back in May of 2022.
Most notably in Garnacho‘s case, too, it also raises questions around where in the Chelsea squad he will fit and how much regular first-team football (a guaranteed starting spot rumoured to be a flashpoint with Amorim) he will be able to enjoy should the deal go ahead.
For instance, besides the plethora of other attacking players at Enzo Maresca’s disposal, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says that the west Londoners are also pursuing PSG’s Xavi Simons.
Nevertheless, the Italian journalist claims that “every detail of personal terms with Chelsea” has now been agreed, with the Argentine prospect now fully set on a move to Stamford Bridge.
You can see what other Manchester United transfer updates he gave in his latest video.
Romano goes on to state that the deal is effectively done as far as the player side of things is concerned, adding that Garnacho is now only interested in Chelsea since and has been since July.
Although negotiations are yet to begin with Man United, it looks likely that they will push to get a transfer approved quickly as they look to cover the costs of the other business, having already brought in a number of players.
A young BMX star from Trafford finished on the podium in the 2025 World Championships
Danny Jones
A Greater Manchester native placed on the podium at the 2025 BMX World Championships in yet another display of our region’s sporting excellence.
12-year-old Leo Rowlands from Timperley in Trafford was one of the several promising BMX riders representing Team GB at the World Championships in Copenhagen, which kicked off at the end of July.
Back in 2023, Geordie-born Kieran Reilly became the UK’s first champion at the UCI BMX Freestyle Worlds in Glasgow, and this year, London’s Beth Shriever claimed a trio of world titles.
Combine that with the incredible achievement of the talented young lad coming third overall in his own category, and it really was another brilliant performance from Great Britain.
Credit: Supplied
Penning a proud statement online, local outlet Altrincham Today wrote: “HUGE congratulations to Leo Rowlands, who has just claimed WORLD No. 3 at the BMX World Championships in Copenhagen.
“The Year 7 [aged 11-12] Altrincham College student, who’s been racing since age 6 and trains at Bruntwood Park BMX Club in Cheadle, came through a field of over 140 of the world’s best riders to reach the final and secure his spot on the podium.
“Already North Champion and UK National No. 2, Leo will be going for the British Championship title in Kent this month.”
Joining in sharing their pride and praise on social media, his home college in Alty, along with Rowlands’ fellow students, simply added: “Incredible performance, Leo!”
The comments underneath both posts are filled with other parents and fellow locals passing on their congrats. You love to see it.
Credit: Family Handout (supplied)
As for his regular cycling haunt, Bruntwood Park BMX Club also went on to add: “Yesterday, two riders reached the top of the sport for their age, and it is with great pride that they bring home the club’s first W plates from a World Championships.
“First up, Leo Rowlands, who put down a stunning lap in the Male 12s final, working his way back from dead last out of the gate to make a brilliant podium and take home W3.”
They went on to credit all of their rising talents, including another promising young and already multi-title-winning champion in Lexi Waite, who fought her way back from a slipped gate to finish in fifth.
Bruntwood signed off by adding: “What an incredible achievement from both of these outstanding riders, and we cannot wait to have these guys back with their W plates!”
There’s plenty of cycling history being made here in Greater Manchester, and we’ve no doubt there’s more to come.
Danny Jones -
20th April 2023 
