Why a Move to AC Milan Could Be the Perfect Next Step for Rasmus Højlund
If Rasmus Højlund really does trade Manchester United for AC Milan this summer, it could turn out to be the moment his career truly takes off. The Danish striker, still only 22, has spent the past two seasons carrying the weight of expectation at Old Trafford. Now, with Benjamin Šeško walking through the door and United’s frontline shifting around him, a move to Milan feels less like a step down and more like a fresh start.
United’s Frontline Has Moved On Without Him
When Højlund signed from Atalanta in 2023 for £67 million, the message was clear that he was the man to lead United’s attack for years to come. He had the pace, the physique, and the knack for scoring important goals. The Premier League is an unforgiving place, and while Højlund’s return of 26 goals in 95 appearances, including 10 goals and four assists in 52 games last season, was far from disastrous, it wasn’t enough to make him untouchable in the starting XI.
This summer, United’s decision to bring in Šeško for around £74 million was telling. Big-money strikers rarely sit on the bench, and almost immediately, it felt as if the pecking order had shifted. Højlund watched during key pre-season matches, including the friendly against Fiorentina, where Mason Mount, not a natural striker, was handed the false nine role. For a player who had publicly said just weeks ago that he wanted to stay and fight for his place, that must have been a sobering moment.
Behind the scenes, United seem open to letting him go, at least on a loan with an option to buy, potentially recovering a decent chunk of their original outlay. For Højlund, the writing may already be on the wall.
Milan’s Interest Is About More Than Just Numbers
That’s where AC Milan come in. With Massimiliano Allegri back at the helm and a squad overhaul underway, they’re actively searching for a striker who can lead the line in Serie A and in Europe. Højlund is right at the top of their shortlist. According to reports in Italy, Milan are exploring a deal that could start as a loan worth around €6 million, with a buy option set in the €45 million range.
For Højlund, the appeal is obvious. Serie A is a league he knows well from his Atalanta days, where he scored nine goals and impressed with his intelligent runs and physical presence. The tempo in Italy can be less frantic than in the Premier League, giving a striker more opportunities to influence the game. Perhaps most importantly, Milan could offer him something he won’t get at United next season, the chance to be the main man.
It’s not just about minutes on the pitch, either. Playing in the iconic red and black, under a manager like Allegri, and in front of 70,000 fans at San Siro has a pull that can’t be measured in numbers alone. For a player whose confidence has been dented, that kind of environment can be transformative.
The hesitation so far has been on Højlund’s side. Even as speculation swirled, he maintained he wanted to stay at United, fight for his place, and prove himself. As reality sets in, and as pre-season hints at a season spent watching Šeško lead the line along with new signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, those close to the situation say his stance is softening. Milan, for their part, believes they can get a deal done if they convince him the move is in his best interest.
A Career Crossroads
What’s happening now is bigger than just a transfer. For Højlund, it’s about choosing between staying put and trying to claw back a starting role at Old Trafford, or stepping into a situation where he’s wanted, trusted, and backed to deliver. United, in their current rebuild, can’t guarantee him that. Milan, in theirs, almost certainly can.
The next few days will be telling. If Højlund does head to Italy, he’ll be returning to a league that already knows his strengths, to a team that would likely build its attack around him, and to a manager who has made a career out of getting the best from disciplined, physical forwards.
United fans may feel frustrated at the idea of losing a player they were once told would be the face of their attack. But sometimes the best thing for both club and player is to admit when the fit isn’t working and give each other the freedom to move on.
