“Man Utd must avoid signing £27m Premier League struggler who is worse than Rasmus Hojlund at key quality”

“Man Utd must avoid signing £27m Premier League struggler who is worse than Rasmus Hojlund at key quality”

 

 

 

Man Utd Must Avoid Signing £27m Premier League Struggler Who Is Worse Than Rasmus Hojlund at Key Quality

 

As the summer transfer window approaches, Manchester United find themselves once again scouring the market for reinforcements—particularly in the striker department. Despite heavy investment over recent seasons, the club’s goal-scoring record has been underwhelming, and fans and pundits alike expect a new centre-forward to arrive at Old Trafford.

 

Among the names linked with a potential move is Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the Everton striker whose £27 million price tag has generated conversation but also controversy. Once hailed as one of the Premier League’s most promising attackers, Calvert-Lewin has seen his stock tumble in recent years due to persistent injuries and a stark dip in form.

 

While on paper he may offer some of the physical attributes desired in a traditional No. 9, a deeper dive into his recent performances shows that he is not the right fit for Erik ten Hag’s evolving system. More importantly, in a key area—off-the-ball movement and pressing intensity—he falls short compared to United’s current first-choice striker, Rasmus Højlund.

 

Here’s why United must steer clear of signing Calvert-Lewin and instead invest more wisely in their attacking options.

 

 

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The Numbers Don’t Lie

 

On the surface, Dominic Calvert-Lewin presents as a reasonable option. He has Premier League experience, aerial presence, and has led the line for Everton through difficult periods. However, a closer look at his stats over the last two seasons paints a worrying picture.

 

Calvert-Lewin’s 2023/24 Premier League Stats (as of May):

 

Appearances: 25

 

Goals: 3

 

Assists: 1

 

Shot conversion rate: 7%

 

Minutes per goal: 538

 

Touches per 90 minutes: 30.2

 

Pressures per 90: 9.6

 

 

Compare that to Rasmus Højlund, who is younger, adapting to a new league, and often playing in a dysfunctional United side:

 

Højlund’s 2023/24 Premier League Stats:

 

Appearances: 29

 

Goals: 10

 

Assists: 2

 

Shot conversion rate: 18.5%

 

Minutes per goal: 203

 

Touches per 90 minutes: 34.7

 

Pressures per 90: 13.4

 

 

Even without considering age and future potential, Højlund has outperformed Calvert-Lewin in virtually every attacking metric this season. He’s more involved in general play, works harder off the ball, and is more clinical in front of goal. Why, then, would United invest £27 million in a downgrade?

 

 

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Injury History and Reliability

 

Perhaps the most concerning issue with Calvert-Lewin is his fitness record. Since the 2021/22 season, he has missed over 40 matches due to various muscle, hamstring, and knee injuries. For a club that has suffered greatly from an injury crisis this season—missing key players like Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martínez, and Anthony Martial for extended periods—adding another injury-prone asset makes little sense.

 

United need a reliable partner or backup to Højlund, someone who can either lead the line when the Dane needs rest or rotate in high-intensity fixtures. Calvert-Lewin, as harsh as it may sound, cannot currently be counted on to stay fit across a 40- to 50-match campaign.

 

 

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The Key Quality: Pressing and Movement

 

In Erik ten Hag’s tactical system, particularly when the team plays with intensity and high lines, forward pressing is not optional—it’s foundational. Ten Hag wants forwards who press defenders, cut off passing lanes, and initiate the team’s defensive shape from the front.

 

Højlund, while still developing, is exemplary in this regard. His pressing triggers are intelligent, and he works hard to win back possession high up the pitch. His mobility and fitness also allow him to stretch defences and make repeated runs behind the backline.

 

Calvert-Lewin, on the other hand, has seen his mobility decline due to injuries. His pressing numbers are significantly lower than Højlund’s, and his ability to turn defenders or create chaos off the ball has diminished. He may still be a threat in the air, but United do not typically play to a target-man style. His fit, tactically, is questionable at best.

 

 

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Financial Implications and Opportunity Cost

 

With INEOS now guiding the football operations at Manchester United, smart recruitment is expected to be the norm—not the exception. Spending £27 million on a striker who is statistically and physically a step below the current option would not only be poor business but also limit the club’s ability to invest in more critical areas, such as central defence or midfield depth.

 

There are strikers across Europe—many younger and with higher ceilings—who could be acquired for similar or slightly higher fees. Names like Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig), Santiago Giménez (Feyenoord), or even Lois Openda (also Leipzig) offer far greater upside and tactical compatibility.

 

By avoiding a nostalgic or Premier League-proven trap, United can allocate resources more effectively, building a team that fits the modern game and Ten Hag’s principles.

 

 

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What About as a Backup?

 

Even in a reduced role, Calvert-Lewin would be a risk. The backup striker at Manchester United must be ready to step in at a moment’s notice and play in high-intensity fixtures, including European games and domestic cup ties. At this stage, the Everton striker simply cannot be relied upon to perform consistently, let alone stay healthy enough to be available.

 

Additionally, any player coming in must accept a rotation role—something Calvert-Lewin may not be open to, especially with Euro 2024 on the horizon and his international ambitions still intact.

 

 

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Conclusion: Look Beyond Familiar Names

 

Manchester United must resist the temptation of familiar Premier League names who do not meet the club’s evolving tactical needs. While Calvert-Lewin may once have looked like a promising fit, the realities of his recent form and injury record suggest otherwise.

 

Rasmus Højlund, still just 21, has shown enough quality and potential to be backed with the right support—not undermined by bringing in a misfit who lacks the key qualities Ten Hag needs from his frontman.

 

If the club is to climb back to the top of English and European football, every signing must be forward-thinking, data-backed, and aligned with a clear footballing vision. A £27 million move for Calvert-Lewin, in contrast, feels like a

step backward.

 

 

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Would you like a comparison graphic of Højlund vs Calvert-Lewin based on this analysis?