Manchester United appear to have reached a decision regarding the valuation of striker Rasmus Højlund, as uncertainty continues to grow around his long-term future at Old Trafford.
The Danish international joined United in the summer of 2023 after completing a high-profile move from Atalanta. The deal was worth £64 million upfront, with the possibility of a further £8 million in performance-related add-ons. At the time, he was regarded as one of the most exciting young forwards in European football, and many fans hoped he would develop into a prolific goal scorer for the Premier League giants.
Now 22 years old, Højlund has experienced a mixed spell in Manchester. While he has shown glimpses of his potential, his overall impact has fallen short of expectations. Across 82 appearances in all competitions, he has managed to score 24 goals. Although not a disastrous return, it has not been the kind of output United supporters envisioned when the club made such a significant financial investment. As a result, questions are being raised about whether he remains central to the club’s long-term plans or whether a transfer could be on the horizon.
Reports in Italy have suggested that Serie A champions Napoli are considering testing United’s resolve by exploring the possibility of a deal. However, the chances of such a move materializing appear slim, as United are believed to have set an asking price in the region of £50 million. For Napoli, that valuation is considered very high and may prove a major stumbling block in negotiations. Unless United are willing to lower their demands, it is uncertain whether the Italian side would be prepared to make a formal approach.
Amid the transfer speculation, former United defender Jaap Stam has given his perspective on Højlund’s struggles. Speaking to Makthavarse.se, Stam argued that the forward’s difficulties are not solely down to his own performances but are also linked to United’s tactical setup under manager Ruben Amorim. According to Stam, Højlund is frequently left isolated during matches and can go long spells without being involved in meaningful attacking phases. The Dutchman highlighted the lack of service, particularly in the form of crosses and chance creation, as a key reason why the striker has been unable to fully showcase his finishing ability. In his view, Højlund would likely thrive in a system that provides more consistent opportunities in the final third.
For now, the young striker remains part of the squad as United prepare for their next Premier League challenge. The team will travel to the City Ground on April 1 to face Nottingham Forest in a game that could prove crucial in the race for European qualification. All eyes will once again be on Højlund, as both the fans and the club continue to evaluate his role in shaping United’s future ambitions.
