After allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to go in the middle of the season, United delayed to find a replacement for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. They considered a deal for Harry Kane, who is currently at Bayern Munich, before pursuing and signing Hojlund from Atalanta for £72 million.
Comparisons between the phenomenal Manchester City striker and Hojlund have grown popular due to their playing styles. However, former Manchester United captain Neville wants the 20-year-old Dane to be let to develop at his own speed.
Hojlund, who had missed the opening three Premier League games due to a back ailment, made his long-awaited debut for the club in Sunday’s 3-1 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. For the final 23 minutes, he was called from the bench to replace Anthony Martial.
“Manchester United have not had a striker they can hit,” Neville said after the game, according to Sky Sports. Ronaldo was not a traditional target man, as [Anthony] Martial and [Marcus] Rashford are not, but it appears that he will cause havoc. The good news is that he’s still new to the game.
“He’s only played a couple of seasons at the top level, but people expect him to be the next Erling Haaland for Manchester United.” They don’t have someone with experience to assist or support him.”
“Martial,” Neville added. We’ve been monitoring him for the past eight or nine years, and he’s not what Ten Hag need or desires. This guy [Hojlund] had a huge price tag on him, but it was a promising start.”
