Staff Reporter
Rasmus Højlund will not feature in Manchester United’s Premier League opener against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, a decision that has cast fresh uncertainty over the young striker’s future at the club. Højlund, 22, has found himself increasingly on the sidelines following the summer arrival of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in a deal reportedly worth around €85 million ($98.8 million), including add-ons.
Story Highlights:
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Rasmus Højlund omitted from Manchester United vs. Arsenal opener.
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Benjamin Sesko’s summer signing adds to Højlund’s uncertainty.
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AC Milan exploring season-long loan with permanent option.
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Højlund prefers to stay at United but may move for playing time.
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United goalkeeper André Onana out with hamstring injury.
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Sesko on bench, potential debut expected later in match.
Sources close to the situation have told ESPN that AC Milan are exploring the possibility of bringing Højlund in on a season-long loan, with an option to make the transfer permanent next summer. While the Denmark international has made it clear, both publicly and privately to club officials, that he wishes to remain at Old Trafford, he is aware that securing regular playing time could necessitate a move.
Højlund signed for United from Atalanta in 2023 for £72 million ($99 million), one of the Premier League’s most expensive transfers of the season. Since then, he has struggled to cement himself as the club’s first-choice No. 9, scoring 14 goals in 63 league appearances. His absence from the starting lineup against Fiorentina in a recent preseason friendly has reportedly added to his uncertainty.
Speaking at Friday’s press conference, United manager Amorim was cautious when asked about Højlund’s potential involvement against Arsenal. “He’s one more option,” Amorim said. “We will see. We are focused on this game and Rasmus is still our player.”
The absence of goalkeeper André Onana also marked a notable omission from the matchday squad. Onana missed the team’s preseason schedule with a hamstring injury, and his fitness remains a concern heading into the season opener.
Meanwhile, Benjamin Sesko was named among the substitutes and could make his United debut later in the match. The 19-year-old joins new recruits Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, both of whom are expected to feature in the starting XI.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, on the other hand, handed a start to new striker Viktor Gyökeres, who will look to make an immediate impact at Old Trafford. Fellow new recruit Martín Zubimendi lined up alongside Declan Rice in midfield, adding fresh options for the Gunners.
Manchester United Team:
Altay Bayindir, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Patrick Dorgu, Leny Yoro, Casemiro, Bryan Mbeumo, Luke Shaw
Substitutes: Tom Heaton, Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, Hannibal Mejbri, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Amad Diallo, Benjamin Sesko, Joshua Zirkzee
Arsenal Team:
David Raya, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Riccardo Calafiori, Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Viktor Gyökeres
As Manchester United prepare to face Arsenal without Rasmus Højlund, the young striker’s future remains uncertain. With new competition from Benjamin Sesko and potential interest from AC Milan, Højlund faces a critical decision: fight for his place at Old Trafford or seek regular playing time elsewhere. The coming weeks could prove decisive for both his season and his long-term career.
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