Rasmus Hojlund has warned Manchester United transfer target Benjamin Sesko that he has no intention of surrendering his place in the side. The Denmark international scored in United's 4-1 pre-season win over Bournemouth in Chicago and made clear his commitment to the club despite growing speculation over a new striker.
'I think my plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot whatever happens,' said Hojlund, who is 22. 'I am still very young. I think people sometimes forget that. I have learned a lot, and I think that shows in my game.' His comments came on the same day reports claimed United had made their first move for RB Leipzig's Sesko, with head coach Ruben Amorim offering no guarantees over his future.
'I'm really happy with Rasmus, but I don't know what is going to happen until the end of the market,' Amorim told reporters. 'The important thing is that Rasmus is scoring goals. He's connecting really well with the team. He's improving. Again, I don't know what is going to happen until the market is closed. We suffered a lot because of the lack of goals last season.'
Patrick Dorgu and Amad Diallo added to Hojlund's opener before 19-year-old academy graduate Ethan Williams scored his first senior goal two minutes after coming on as a substitute. Matheus Cunha missed out through fatigue, while fellow new signing Bryan Mbeumo is due to make his debut against Everton in Atlanta on Sunday. Harry Maguire was replaced at half-time by Matthijs de Ligt, who scored an 88th-minute own goal, with Amorim explaining the defender was being managed carefully after a training issue.
German football expert Rune Gjerulff, editor of Bulinews, offered an assessment of Sesko, noting his physicality, speed and clinical finishing, while suggesting his link-up play and passing still need improvement. He added that the striker has a strong mentality and is a quick learner.
Dorgu, who joined for £25m from Lecce in February, provided the assist for Hojlund before scoring himself, and Amorim praised the 20-year-old's growing confidence. 'He looks more and more like he belongs in Manchester United, and that is hard to do it at 20 years old so I'm really impressed with Patrick,' he said. Amorim also expressed delight at Williams' goal and believes the work done in pre-season is already paying dividends, though he cautioned: 'It's a pre-season game. The pressure is going to be so much different.'
