Erik ten Hag to sanction Man United departure to give Rasmus Hojlund preferred shirt number

Hojlund is close to completing a move to Old Trafford

Rasmus Hojlund is closing in on a £72m move to Manchester United as Erik ten Hag looks to have finally brought in a first-choice striker. Hojlund reportedly arrived in Manchester on Tuesday to complete a medical as the 20-year-old edges closer to becoming United’s third signing of the summer. However, despite being touted as the club’s long-term option to lead the line, the forward is unlikely to be gifted an iconic short number such as seven, nine or 10 given that they are already occupied. So far throughout his career, Hojlund has worn the No.45, 28 and number nine shirt but during his academy days at the Danish giants, he wore the number 17, currently occupied by Fred at Old Trafford. [caption id="attachment_290112" align="alignnone" width="1280"] BERGAMO, ITALY - JUNE 04: Rasmus Hojlund of Atalanta BC reacts during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Monza at Gewiss Stadium on June 04, 2023 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)[/caption] According to The Mirror that may change though with Ten Hag keen to offload the Brazilian midfielder, subsequently leaving Hojlund free to take the number once his arrival is confirmed. Fred has been linked with a move to fellow Premier League side Fulham but it now appears that Galatasaray are emerging as the frontrunners for the 30-year-old – providing they match the £20m price tag the club have placed on him. The Red Devils are also linked with Fiorentina midfield Sofyan Amrabat as they look to bolster their options ahead of the upcoming league and European campaigns. Related links:

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