The “worst possible scenario,” according to former Denmark international Morten Bruun, for Rasmus Hojlund at Manchester United is for Marcus Rashford to become Erik ten Hag’s go-to center-forward.

Now, Manchester United didn’t sign an Atalanta striker for £64 million with the intention of sticking his behind to the Old Trafford bench.

However, the fact remains that Rasmus Hojlund’s chances of facing off against last season’s 30-goal leading scorer for the center-forward position will only grow if Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, and perhaps even Facundo Pellistri, can build on strong preseason performances.

Hojlund, in Bruun’s opinion, is doomed to lose this fight.

Rasmus Hojlund facing big competition at Manchester United

“Marcus Rashford is a major factor. Bruun tells TV2 that Rashford is, in his opinion, the best player at United.

“It is likely and hoped that Rashford will play on the left wing. Hojlund will fall short in a frontal confrontation with him for the position of spearhead. 

The wide players pose a significant threat since they can press so hard that ten Hag decides to start Rashford up front. In addition to Antony, there are a few other excellent players there.

Mason Mount, an international for England, is one. Although Mount isn’t really a winger, he can work well from the flank. Jadon Sancho is another.

The FA Cup final versus Manchester City, the biggest game of the previous campaign, he began. Rashford was consequently brought all the way forward. The worst-case scenario for Rasmus Hojlund is this.

Difficult decisions for Ten Hag

Mason Greenwood, according to Bruun, might also be a ‘factor’ for Ten Hag to take into account if he is reintegrated into the first squad. On the other side, Hojlund will swiftly cement himself as a “undroppable” player if he can make an impact right away at Old Trafford and demonstrate why Ten Hag thinks he is a goal scorer with truly great potential.

“Of course, it is primarily about Hojlund himself. Does he possess the necessary mindset, skill, and body? Can he carry over his Bergamo scoring prowess to Manchester? Is he up to the challenge?,” Bruun queries.

“There is reason to think the self-assured young Dane can pull that off. That is what Manchester United also holds to be true. If not, they wouldn’t have spent as much money.

Mason Greenwood, according to Bruun, might also be a ‘factor’ for Ten Hag to take into account if he is reintegrated into the first squad. On the other side, Hojlund will swiftly cement himself as a “undroppable” player if he can make an impact right away at Old Trafford and demonstrate why Ten Hag thinks he is a goal scorer with truly great potential.

“Of course, it is primarily about Hojlund himself. Does he possess the necessary mindset, skill, and body? Can he carry over his Bergamo scoring prowess to Manchester? Is he up to the challenge?,” Bruun queries.

“There is reason to think the self-assured young Dane can pull that off. That is what Manchester United also holds to be true. If not, they wouldn’t have spent as much money.