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Manchester United get the ideal transfer suitor for Rasmus Højlund
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Manchester United and Rasmus Højlund were never the right match. The Danish striker entered the Premier League amid high expectations, but his impact has been underwhelming. His style, honed at Atalanta, didn’t translate well to Manchester United’s tactics or the physical demands of English football. After looking like a star in waiting, his momentum stalled, and that early optimism has faded fast.

Italy feels like home for Højlund

Now, a move back to Serie A seems like the perfect reset. Italian clubs are already showing interest, and this isn’t surprising—Højlund excelled in Italy once before. He better understands the tactical game, the slower build-up, and the nuanced movement Serie A requires. Returning could help him rebuild confidence, regain form, and reignite his career.

Roma emerges as best bet

Among the interested sides, AS Roma stand out. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Roma are preparing a loan offer in the coming days. Their technical director believes a loan makes sense, since Højlund’s €45 million valuation may be high for a permanent deal. But Roma sees the upside in pairing him with Artem Dovbyk, their more clinical centre-forward. Together, the duo could form a complementary partnership—Dovbyk offering finishing, Højlund providing movement, physical presence, and link-up play.

United benefit by clearing space

For Manchester United, offloading Højlund — even temporarily — would be a smart move. They gain flexibility in the squad, free up wages, and create space in the transfer budget. United could then target a striker who better fits their system—someone with Premier League experience and a different profile. That could be a veteran No. 9 to lead the line, or a creative forward who thrives in their specific setup. The bottom line: getting him off the books is a win both financially and strategically.

A loan that makes sense all around

This potential deal benefits everyone involved. Højlund gets game time, confidence, and a fresh environment. Roma strengthen an area that needs depth, without overcommitting financially. United offload an expensive asset who isn’t delivering, and can reinvest those resources. That kind of pragmatic transfer would show United’s willingness to adapt and refine their squad intelligently.

What’s next

Roma are expected to formalise a loan approach in the coming days. Whether United accept depends on their ability to identify a replacement quickly. But with preseason looming, negotiations need to move fast. Anything that delays decision-making meets only friction—yet every day that passes makes this deal more urgent and necessary.

Final verdict

A loan to Roma may not be as headline-grabbing as an Old Trafford breakthrough, but it could be the best thing for Rasmus Højlund, Manchester United, and Roma. He regains the right setting, Roma bolster their attack, and United free up space to sign a striker who fits their blueprint and gives manager Rúben Amorim the precise profile he demands. This transfer is all about finding the right fit—and here, everyone looks poised to align.

This article first appeared on The Trivela Effect and was syndicated with permission.

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