Transfer talks collapse as Manchester United fail to reach terms with Serie A giants

Inter’s interest in Rasmus Højlund is not new, and while the 22-year-old has also been linked with other Italian sides—most notably Napoli, no concrete deal has materialised. Napoli, for their part, are currently prioritising a move for Darwin Núñez, which leaves Højlund in a state of limbo.

This creates a dual dilemma for Manchester United: the club needs to generate funds, yet letting go of a young striker without securing a permanent transfer could undermine their offensive planning for next season. Reports have indicated that United are seeking around €45 million for Højlund’s sale.

Pushing for a permanent deal remains the most pragmatic route for a club facing financial pressure and the urgent need to rebalance an expensive, uneven squad. Højlund has not been a flop, but neither has he justified untouchable status. At 22, he still has time to develop, but in the context of a squad overhaul, United may not have the luxury to wait.

Sending him out on loan without a mandatory purchase clause would be a strategic misstep, especially given the club’s lack of attacking depth following a season riddled with injuries and inconsistency.

Losing Højlund on a simple loan deal would leave a void that won’t be easy to fill. And let’s be honest, Manchester United are not in a position to take risks without guarantees. Despite his inconsistency, the Danish forward brought valuable attributes to the pitch: explosive pace, direct vertical runs, and physical strength that unsettled defences.

When compared to other emerging strikers across Europe, like Benjamin Šeško or Randal Kolo Muani, Højlund may still be a tier below in terms of polish and impact, but his ceiling remains high. Offloading him should not be a decision taken lightly. Still, in the club’s current financial and sporting context, it may be a necessary evil. If a sale at a reasonable price does materialise, it could provide United with much-needed flexibility to address more pressing needs across the squad.

The key is clear: avoid repeating past mistakes, selling cheap, buying expensive, and drifting without a coherent strategy. This time, United must act with clarity and conviction.