BREAKING NEWS:‼️ “Just this bad season that I had, Man United have signed this dangerously aggressive striker to replace me. How on earth did they expect me to compete with him? Ruben Amorim has to choose between me and him now,” Rasmus Højlund unhappy as Man United set to sign another striker to take up the No.9 jersey – Threatening to leave
Old Trafford, Manchester – June 13, 2025
In what is shaping up to be the first major off-field drama of Manchester United’s summer transfer window, 22-year-old Danish forward Rasmus Højlund is reportedly deeply unhappy with the club’s decision to bring in a new high-profile striker to potentially replace him as the club’s primary No.9.
Sources close to the player suggest that Højlund, who endured a challenging 2024/25 season, feels “betrayed” by the move and is even considering a shock exit if newly-appointed manager Rúben Amorim does not offer clarity about his future role in the squad.
A Season to Forget
Rasmus Højlund arrived at Manchester United with great expectations following his £72 million transfer from Atalanta in the summer of 2023. Touted as the long-term solution to United’s striker woes, the Danish international showed flashes of brilliance during his first season, particularly in European competition.
However, the 2024/25 campaign proved far more difficult. Injuries, tactical inconsistency, and a dysfunctional attacking setup under now-sacked manager Erik ten Hag all played a part in a disappointing return of just 8 goals in all competitions. For a club the size of Manchester United, such numbers from their No.9 simply weren’t enough—especially given the pressure to return to elite status both domestically and in Europe.
Despite his struggles, Højlund remained optimistic about his development under a new manager. That optimism appears to be fading fast.
The Arrival of a “Dangerously Aggressive Striker”
Multiple outlets have now confirmed that Manchester United are in the final stages of completing the signing of an unnamed, but described as “dangerously aggressive” striker from a top European club. The forward, believed to be in his mid-20s and already proven in the UEFA Champions League, is expected to take over the No.9 jersey, a symbolic and practical blow to Højlund’s status within the team.
Though the player’s identity is yet to be officially revealed, insiders suggest that the new signing brings a vastly different profile—physically dominant, tactically versatile, and a ruthless finisher. Many fans and pundits are already drawing comparisons to the likes of Diego Costa or Didier Drogba, strikers known for their aggression, tenacity, and fearsome presence on the pitch.
Højlund, by contrast, is still developing physically and mentally. He thrives on quick combinations, intelligent movement, and open space—traits that often require a team built around him. The arrival of a physically superior and more experienced striker could push the Dane to the fringes.
Højlund’s Reaction: Frustration Boils Over
In a candid outburst that reportedly took place in a closed-door meeting at Carrington, Højlund is said to have told teammates:
> “Just this bad season that I had, and now they’ve signed this dangerously aggressive striker to replace me. How on earth did they expect me to compete with him? Rúben Amorim has to choose between me and him now.”
The statement, full of emotion and raw honesty, suggests a growing rift between the young striker and the club’s leadership. It also highlights Højlund’s fear that he may not be afforded the time and trust to rebound from a tough season—a fear shared by many young talents at major clubs.
Amorim’s Dilemma
Newly-hired manager Rúben Amorim, brought in from Sporting CP to modernize United’s tactical identity and instill a winning culture, now finds himself at the center of a selection crisis before preseason has even begun.
Amorim, known for his 3-4-3 systems and fluid attacking play, typically demands versatility from his forwards. Whether Højlund fits into his vision remains unclear, especially with the arrival of a more dominant, ready-made striker.
In his first press conference, Amorim acknowledged the need for “depth and competition in all positions,” but refused to directly address the striker situation. However, a decision will need to be made—and soon.
Will he build his attack around Højlund and allow him the room to grow? Or will he prioritize instant results by leaning on the more experienced forward?
Fans Split on the Issue
On social media, United fans are divided.
Some believe that the competition will only make Højlund better:
> “This is Man United, not a charity. If Højlund can’t fight for his place, maybe he’s not the one,” tweeted one user.
Others feel that the club is mishandling a potentially elite young talent:
> “You don’t buy a 20-year-old for £70M and give up after one tough season. This is why we can’t develop stars anymore.”
Some even questioned the wisdom of replacing one struggling striker with another, albeit more aggressive, option:
> “Signing another striker won’t fix our midfield or tactics. Højlund was starved of service last season. Let’s fix that first.”
Potential Exit?
While Højlund has not officially requested a transfer, his agent is believed to be gauging interest from several clubs across Europe, including former suitors Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Napoli. A loan move has also been floated as a potential compromise, especially if Amorim cannot guarantee minutes.
United, for their part, remain tight-lipped but are understood to prefer keeping Højlund as part of a two-striker rotation, particularly with the club returning to Champions League football next season.
What Next?
As Manchester United prepare to jet off for their preseason tour of the United States, all eyes will be on the striker situation. Will Amorim be able to manage the egos and expectations of two very different forwards? Will Højlund be given the time and support he needs? Or is this the beginning of the end for the young Dane at Old Trafford?
Whatever happens, one thing is clear: Manchester United’s search for a consistent, world-class No.9 continues—and for now, it comes at the cost of Rasmus Højlund’s peace of mind.
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Stay tuned
for more updates on this developing story as the Red Devils’ summer rebuild heats up.
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