Hojlund hailed as 'Denmark's Haaland' after stunning turnaround since Man Utd exit

Rasmus Hojlund has been likened to Erling Haaland by Denmark head coach Brian Riemer, with the forward’s three goals in four international appearances over the recent break — including a decisive penalty against Wales — underlining a remarkable resurgence since leaving Manchester United.

“Rasmus Hojlund has taken the throne,” Riemer told TV2 Sport. “The Norwegians may not think he is Erling Haaland, but he is for us. I just have to give him huge praise for what he delivers.”

The comparison carries weight given the context of Hojlund’s career trajectory. The Danish forward joined United from Atalanta for £72m and scored 26 goals in 95 appearances before departing on an initial loan to Napoli, a deal later made permanent at a considerable financial loss to the club. At Napoli he has found a consistency that largely eluded him in Manchester, netting 16 goals last season and adding two more in the current campaign.

Teammate Rasmus Kristensen was equally effusive in his assessment. “I have never seen him better,” Kristensen said. “In all four games he has delivered significant and fantastic performances for us. He is a monster. Some of the things he previously felt he could not put together on the national team, he has really done in the last four games. Decidedly outstanding.”

Hojlund himself spoke about the mental and technical work behind his penalty against Wales, a moment that encapsulated his growing authority within the squad. “I have tried to train on my penalty, and I think that it is important as an attacker to be good at it,” he said. “It is a responsibility I would like to have on me.”

On stepping into a leadership role for Denmark, the 22-year-old added: “I have some personality, and I want to share what I have. My age speaks against me a bit, but I have played at the biggest venues, in the biggest stadiums, and I have been to a final round. I am ready to take on that role and keep putting in the work.”

For Manchester United, the praise heaped on Hojlund serves as an uncomfortable reminder of the club’s persistent struggles to identify and retain a reliable centre-forward, with the striker now flourishing in Serie A after his Old Trafford stint failed to fulfil the promise that commanded such a significant fee.