The transfer window is entering a crucial phase as Manchester United continue to shape their squad for the upcoming Premier League season.
With new signings already bolstering the attack, the club is also keen to resolve the futures of players who may no longer fit into Ruben Amorim’s plans.
Competition for places is fierce, and squad harmony depends on clarity over who will stay and who will move on before the season opener.
Elsewhere in Europe, clubs are keeping close tabs on United’s unsettled players, ready to pounce if a deal materialises.
One such player is Rasmus Hojlund, whose 2024/25 campaign failed to meet expectations after scoring just four Premier League goals in 52 appearances across all competitions.
United have actively sought to offload the 22-year-old this summer, with AC Milan emerging as a leading contender to secure his services on loan, complete with a buyout clause at the end of the season.
Despite interest from Milan, Rasmus Hojlund has resisted the move, making it clear he wants to fight for his place at Old Trafford.
However, sources at United have reportedly made it clear he is no longer part of their long-term project.
Former Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi weighed in on the saga during an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, delivering a blunt message about the player’s attitude.
“If he prefers to sit on the bench or in the stands at Old Trafford rather than start for AC Milan, then the Rossoneri management should let this striker go and focus on someone who truly wants to wear the Rossoneri shirt,” Sacchi said.
“Milan must be loved; it can’t be a second-best option.
“The first quality required: reliability. Then comes everything else.
“But if you’re not reliable, if you don’t have fire inside, if you’re not willing to sacrifice yourself for the club and your teammates, it’s better for him to stay home.”
Sacchi went further, adding, “First of all: we’re not talking about [Marco] van Basten, nor one of the best strikers in Europe right now.
“He’s a decent player, nothing more. So, this pursuit of him seems exaggerated to me.”
He acknowledged Milan’s shortage of forwards but questioned Hojlund’s reluctance, stating, “If Milan calls you, you should pack your bags and get on the first plane to Malpensa.
“Milan, in the world of football, is a legendary name.”
“They’re the ones who should be thankful for having been signed, not the other way around.
“Do I make myself clear? The club comes first, then the player.”
Sacchi also highlighted the contrast between the clubs: “Of course, Manchester United, for goodness’ sake, is also a legendary team, but on one side there’s a club, Milan, that offers you a permanent position, and on the other there’s another that’s doing everything they can to sell you.”
He speculated on Hojlund’s motivation, saying, “Perhaps he wants to prove to Manchester United that he’s as good as the newly acquired players? That could be an explanation, but sometimes following your instincts isn’t a good way to get far.”
Sacchi concluded with a final warning: “I think it would have been important for Hojlund to seize the opportunity AC Milan offered.
“He’s hesitant and unconvinced? No problem.
“He stays where he is and Milan thinks about another player who, possibly, has the desire to wear the Rossoneri shirt.”
Meanwhile, Milan’s sporting director Igli Tare remains in England to monitor the situation closely, with the club awaiting Hojlund’s decision.
Manchester United are eager to move him on, but everything hinges on the striker’s willingness to embrace a new challenge.
With the Premier League season set to begin imminently, this standoff could have major implications for all parties involved.
