MIRROR
Bruno Fernandes has spoken glowingly about Manchester United’s summer signing Rasmus Hojlund despite the Denmark international being told he was not a ‘standout talent’ by a former coach.
The Red Devils forked out £72million to bring Hojlund to Old Trafford from Serie A outfit Atalanta in the summer, but due to a stress fracture in his back the striker has only managed 25 minutes of football so far. That came at the end of last Sunday’s 3-1 defeat away at Arsenal, where the 20-year-old was one of few positives for Erik ten Hag’s side.
Before the United supporters can even get a real look at their new talisman, they have been told by someone who knows Hojlund well that the forward’s ability actually paled in comparison to that of his brothers as a youngster. That is according to Christian Mouroux – sporting director at the brothers’ local amateur club, Horsholm Usserod Idraetsklub (HUI).
He explained to the Daily Mail: “His two younger brothers – twins Emil and Oscar – were more obvious talents. Rasmus wasn’t a standout. There were other players his age just as good. His talents you see today came much later. I won’t lie, I’m very surprised by how much Rasmus went for.”
“He was playing for the age group above because he was physically so big, so he was more developed in that way,” Mouroux continued. “But there was no single moment when we thought he was going to be a star. Signing for a team who’ve bought him to perform now, it’s surprising.”
In stark contrast, Fernandes has discussed his new team-mate and the early impressions seem particularly positive. The Portugal international has been notably impressed by the confidence of Hojlund and his eagerness to establish himself in the United dressing room.
“He’s someone who is always trying to speak to everyone, he is a kid that what I have seen until now who obviously wants to work he wants to get into the team,” Fernandes revealed. “He wants to be fit as soon as possible and I think he will bring us a lot of energy, a lot of strength and hopefully a lot goals too.
“I want to build that connection with him, as well as building that connection with the other wingers and the other strikers because I’ve always said I’m here and everyone behind them is here to serve them. We want them to feel happy, to feel that the ball is coming they will get their chances and obviously it’s about them getting their goals and that’s what we want.”
