New Delhi: Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund is unlikely to feature in Ruben Amorim’s first Premier League game of the season with reports suggesting he will left out of the matchday squad against Arsenal.
The Danish forward faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford after the summer signings of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. Sesko’s £73.7m transfer has pushed Hojlund down the pecking order raising fresh questions about his role under Amorim.
It won’t be the first time he has been left out of the squad. In fact, during the pre-season outing against Fiorentina, he was also an unused substitute. When press asked Amorim about the striker’s position in his plans he offered limited clarity which adds to the speculations that his minutes are limited this season.
🚨 BREAKING! Rasmus Hojlund is set to be left out of #mufc squad vs Arsenal. [@lauriewhitwell] pic.twitter.com/43W9xSIX60
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) August 17, 2025
Amorim in the Friday’s press conference said, “He’s one more option, we will see. We are focused on this game and Rasmus is still our player.”
The Portuguese manager do confirmed that Joshua Zirkzee who has been recovering fitness during pre-season, is ready to return. That update could further complicate Hojlund’s chance pf breaking into the XI at the start of the campaign.
Transfer interest and United’s stance
The 22-year-old has already drawn interest from several European clubs including AC Milan and RB Leipzig. However, United are interested in a permanent sale rather than a loan, though they may have to accept less than his current book value of around £45m.
Despite the uncertainty, Hojlund has remained professional in training and has made it clear he intends to fight for his spot. “My plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens,” he said during United’s pre-season tour in the United States. “Competition is fine with me, it sharpens me. I’m more than ready. I’m feeling sharp so I’m welcoming everything that comes.”
Tough first year at Old Trafford
Hojlund’s first full season in England was a mixed one. He managed 26 goals in 95 appearances since joining in 2023, but only four goals came last season. A prolonged 21-match goalless run between December and March highlighted his struggles to adapt consistently in front of goal.
For now, his immediate future remains uncertain though what is clear is that Amorim’s new era at United begins without the Dane as a guaranteed figure in his plans. The Arsenal fixture could be the first sign of just how much of a battle Hojlund faces to revive his role at Man Untied.