Hojlund keen to fight for place amid Man United search for a new striker

Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund has said he intends to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford despite the club’s ongoing search for a new striker,

United have made contact with RB Leipzig about a deal for Benjamin Sesko. The Red Devils are also interested in Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins as Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is no longer considered an option.

A new addition up front would likely limit Højlund’s playing time. But the 22-year-old, who has been linked with Napoli and Juventus, said he is keen to stay at Old Trafford.

Rasmus Højlund in action against West Ham United during a Premier League Summer Series match at MetLife Stadium. (Photo by Vincent Carchietta/Getty Images)

“I think the most important thing for me is just to keep working hard and stay focused and then obviously we’ll see what happens,” Højlund said.

“I think my plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens.”

Hojlund is already competing for a place in Ruben Amorim’s system with Joshua Zirkzee. And the Denmark international says he wouldn’t be fazed if Sesko or another striker arrives this summer.

“Competition is fine with me, it sharpens me,” he said.

“I’m more than ready. I’m feeling sharp so I’m welcoming everything that comes. I think it’s good with competition and it only sharpens the team.”

Hojlund was criticized for his form in front of goal last season but after scoring in the 4-1 win over Bournemouth in Chicago on Wednesday, he launched a defence of his goal record which stands at 26 goals in two years in England.

“I’m still very young,” he said. “I think people forget that sometimes. I’m only 22. Obviously, not every striker is scoring 100 goals by the age of 22. But I’ve learned a lot, I think you can see in my game.

“I’m starting to develop and become even better in the basics. Now it’s just about for me to sharpen myself and I’ve done very well in the preseason so far.

“Strikers obviously always want to score goals. Obviously it’s very important for me. I think after last season it’s been a bit rough and I’ve tried to sharpen myself over the course of the holidays and I feel very, very good.”