'I knew' - Sturm Graz director makes transfer admission about Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund

Sturm Graz sporting director Andreas Schicker has admitted he always knew the Austrian club would struggle to keep hold of Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund.

The 20-year-old, who has scored three goals for United since arriving in August, joined Sturm Graz from Danish outfit FC Copenhagen in January 2022. He immediately went from strength-to-strength in Austria, scoring 12 goals and registering four assists in just 21 appearances.

His form caught the attention of Italian club Atalanta, who swooped for his signature in August 2022, signing him towards the end of the summer transfer window, meaning his spell at Sturm Graz was short and sweet. He continued to maintain his uphill trajectory in Italy, scoring 10 goals and grabbing four assists last season.

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His performances for Atalanta, of course, alerted United to his talent levels and potential, with the club selecting the Danish international as their chosen candidate to try and end their goalscoring troubles. He joined the club in August for a fee that could eventually rise to £72million.

He has scored three goals so far, all of which have come in the Champions League, and his performances have, overall, provided plenty of encouragement. Now on the books of one of Europe's elite, Schicker has conceded that it was always going to be difficult for Sturm Graz to retain him, as well as waxing lyrical about his mentality.

"Rasmus is an exceptional player," Schicker told Tuttomercatoweb. "A top talent who played really well in Graz.

"We didn't plan to lose him just after half a season. But, from the way