Man Utd’s Rasmus Hojlund reveals why his parents might not support him in Champions League
Manchester United will dine at Europe’s top table again this season having been drawn in a Champions League group with Bayern Munich, Copenhagen and Galatasaray
Rasmus Hojlund joined Man United from Atalanta
Rasmus Hojlund will be determined to fire Man United through the group stages in the Champions League - even if he can’t count on the support of his family.
In his first season in charge in 2022-23, Erik ten Hag led the club to a third-placed finish and, in turn, a spot back at Europe’s top table. And the Dutch boss has prepared his squad by splashing out more than £170million in the summer transfer window, with Hojlund proving his most expensive signing.
The 20-year-old Dane signed for £72m from Atalanta and, after a knee injury in pre-season, made his debut in the defeat at Arsenal last Sunday. Following the international break, he’ll be out to shine in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
United have been drawn with Bayern Munich, Galatasaray, and most intriguingly for Hojlund, Copenhagen. The Danish international started out at the club before moving to Sturm Graz in January 2022, only to head to Serie A six months later.
But his ties to the club remain. The star’s 18-year-old brothers, Emil and Oscar, are now on the books of the club. The pair have only made one senior appearance each, but that didn’t stop Hojlund immediately getting in touch with his family when the draw was made.
“I called my brothers after the draw,” Hojlund told reporters, ahead of Denmark’s game with San Marino on Thursday. “Our parents were a bit divided, because they don’t quite know who to stick with, but my brothers and I were like: ‘Come on!’ It was very cool. We are competitive people, and that is also why we are where we are today.”
Hojlund struck five times for Copenhagen before moving on, and admitted he too was excited about the prospect of playing against his ex-club. A dream scenario would be all three of the siblings being involved on a memorable Champions League night, whether it be at Old Trafford or Parken Stadium.
Rasmus Hojlund is well known in his native Denmark for his time with both Copenhagen and the national team (
Image:
Lars Ronbog/FrontZoneSport)
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“I’m really looking forward to us meeting each other in the Champions League. Of course it’s great to meet your former club,” he added. “It’s my club at home, but it’s not many times you get to meet your brothers in your life. We have to hope that I play, and [my brothers] do too, but just that the opportunity arises, I think it is cool.”
The Red Devils start their European campaign with a trip to Bayern, before hosting their old Turkish rivals. Then comes a double header with the Danish Superliga champions, with the first clash in Manchester on October 24 before the return game on November 8.
But prior that, Ten Hag will be hoping his new striker can arrest his side’s stuttering start to the domestic season. The club has just six points from 12 following defeats to Spurs and Arsenal in their first four Premier League games.
