Manchester United are poised to hold critical Rasmus Højlund future talks with the 22-year-old Danish striker, as the club weighs options amid interest from AC Milan, who are aware of a potential loan deal with a substantial fee and full salary coverage.
Despite speculation about his departure, Højlund has vowed to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford, undeterred by competition from new signings like Matheus Cunha and potential arrival Benjamin Šeško, as reported by The Daily Mail.
The discussions, set to shape United’s attacking lineup for the 2025/26 Premier League season, highlight the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the former Atalanta star’s role under manager Rúben Amorim.
Højlund’s determination to remain at Manchester United, where he has a contract until June 2028 with an option for an additional year, stems from his lifelong support for the club and belief in his potential to succeed, as he stated in a June 2025 interview with TV 2 Sport: “I have a contract until 2028, so I expect to play for Manchester United.”
His resolve comes despite a challenging 2024/25 season, where he scored only 10 goals in 52 appearances, including a 21-match goalless streak.
United’s 15th-place finish in the Premier League, coupled with a lack of consistent service to strikers, as noted by Amorim in February 2025, has fueled speculation about his future, with the club open to structured deals, including a loan with an obligation to buy.
Højlund’s work ethic and physical attributes, pace, strength, and a lethal left foot, make him a valuable asset, but his modest tally of 26 goals in 95 United games has drawn scrutiny.
AC Milan’s interest in Højlund, confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, hinges on United’s pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, with negotiations nearing completion for an €85 million move, per SempreMilan.
Milan, led by sporting director Igli Tare, see Højlund as a complementary striker to Santiago Giménez, offering physicality and Serie A experience from his 2022/23 season at Atalanta, where he scored 10 goals in 34 games.
MilanNews reports that a loan with an option to buy, potentially valued at €35–40 million, is under consideration, especially as United’s signings of Cunha for £62.5 million and interest in Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo for £70 million could push Højlund down the pecking order.
Milan’s financial constraints make a loan appealing, with United reportedly willing to cover part of Højlund’s salary to facilitate a deal, as noted by The Peoples Person. However, Højlund’s preference to stay and compete, echoed in his June comments to Bold, complicates negotiations.
The Rasmus Højlund future talks are driven by United’s strategic overhaul under Amorim and technical director Jason Wilcox, who aim to bolster the attack after scoring just 44 Premier League goals last season.
Højlund’s lack of clinical finishing, four goals in 32 league games in 2024/25, has led to comparisons with Joshua Zirkzee, who scored seven goals in 49 appearances, and suggestions that a loan could help him regain confidence.
Fans express mixed sentiments, with some advocating a loan to Serie A to revive his form, while others believe his hard-working attitude suits Amorim’s high-pressing system.
United’s openness to offers, including from Inter Milan, Juventus, and even Real Madrid, reflects a willingness to cut losses on the £72 million signing, though a permanent transfer would require at least €60 million.
Milan’s pursuit aligns with their need for a robust center-forward following Olivier Giroud’s departure, as Tare emphasized in SempreMilan: “We need a true centre-forward who can make the difference in the penalty area.”
Højlund’s familiarity with Serie A, where he thrived under Atalanta’s counter-attacking style, makes him a low-risk, high-reward option, especially on a loan with a buy option.
However, United’s insistence on a permanent transfer or high loan fee, combined with Højlund’s desire to stay, creates a standoff. Stretty News notes that United’s board views moving Højlund as a way to fund further signings, like Mbeumo, but risks alienating a young talent with potential, as seen in his pre-season goal against Bournemouth.
