"Gave me the biggest problems" – When Rasmus Hojlund named ex-Manchester United star as his toughest Serie A opponent
Atalanta star Rasmus Hojlund's comments on former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has resurfaced amid the Red Devils' pursuit of the attacker in the ongoing summer transfer window.
Hojlund, 20, has emerged as the Old Trafford side's top striking target ahead of the 2023-24 season. He has drawn interest from them owing to his breakout campaign at the Gewiss Stadium last time around.
A left-footed pacy striker, the Dane joined Atalanta from Austrian outfit Sturm Graz for around £15 million last summer. He scored 10 goals and provided four assists in 34 matches, starting 20 along the way.
Earlier this month, Hojlund was asked to identify the toughest Serie A defender he has faced in Italy so far. He responded to Tuttosport:
Smalling, 33, has been a first-team starter at AS Roma since initially arriving on a loan deal from Manchester United in 2019. After impressing in his temporary stint, he secured a £17 million transfer to Rome.
Prior to his move to the Giallorossi, the English centre-back spent nine campaigns at Old Trafford, lifting two Premier League titles in the process. He scored 18 goals in 323 appearances for Erik ten Hag's side.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have sent an initial verbal proposal to Atalanta for Hojlund's signature. They have offered an upfront £43 million fee plus £8.5 million in potential add-ons. However, La Dea are said to be holding out for £60 million, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Should the former FC Copenhagen striker join Manchester United this summer, he would emerge as their first-choice number nine. He would easily displace Anthony Martial, who is too injury-prone to start.
According to L'Equipe, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have lodged a £43 million bid to lure Rasmus Hojlund away
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