Manchester United have confirmed Rasmus Hojlund will wear the No 9 shirt next season in a vow of confidence by Erik ten Hag as the Dane enters his second campaign with the club.
Hojlund took time to get settled at United following his £72m move from Italian side Atalanta last year as the club chose to cash-in on his potential as one of Europe’s brightest young prospects.
The 21-year-old starred in the Champions League group stages with five goals, but struggled in the Premier League and needed 15 games to break his duck in the English top-flight.
Further goals then quickly followed with Hojlund becoming the youngest-ever player to score in six consecutive Premier League games and ending his first season with 16 strikes in all competitions.
The Denmark international endeared himself to United supporters while wearing the No 11 shirt previously made famous at the club by Ryan Giggs, while Anthony Martial retained the No 9 top.
Manchester United have confirmed Rasmus Hojlund will wear the No.9 shirt next season
Hojlund returned for pre-season training with United earlier in the week and will join the club on their tour of the United States
Anthony Martial vacated the No.9 shirt after he left the club at the end of last season
Martial left the club at the end of the season after United decided against extending his contract following several injury-plagued years that coincided with a drop in form, with Hojlund now taking over his number.
He returned for pre-season training alongside national team colleague Christian Eriksen following Denmark’s participation in Euro 2024 and was unveiled as United’s new No.9 on Wednesday.
The club shared a series of photos of Hojlund posing with his new top that has previously been adopted by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Romelu Lukaku and Dimitar Berbatov amongst others.
Hojlund appeared delighted as he posed with his new digit that many view as a demonstration of trust further cementing his place as United’s first-choice striker ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.
The Danish striker previously wore the No.11 shirt last season during his debut year in the Premier League
Hojlund will be hoping for improved fortunes leading United’s attack after settling into the demands of the Premier League
He will be hoping for improved fortunes leading United’s attack after settling into the demands of the Premier League and will focus on building a deeper understanding with his team-mates during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.
Hojlund cut a frustrated and isolated figure in games last season with United’s playmakers and wingers at times criticised for not playing to the striker’s biggest strengths.
There have also been calls for the club to bring in a more experienced striker for Hojlund to learn from given he is currently the only recognised centre forward at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, new recruit Joshua Zirkzee – who became United’s first summer signing from Bologna – will wear the No 11 shirt that has since been vacated by Hojlund.