Rasmus Hojlund's former manager Christian Ilzer believes the Manchester United transfer target should remain at Atalanta for another year.
The 20-year-old, who Ilzer has compared to Manchester City star Erling Haaland, has established himself as one of United's top targets to strengthen their forward options this summer. The Reds are desperate to recruit a new striker and Hojlund has been identified as an attainable target.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News last month, United manager Erik ten Hag has held multiple video calls with Hojlund amid the prospect of him making the switch to Old Trafford. The Danish international joined Atalanta from Sturm Graz less than a year ago and he impressed in his maiden season in Italy, scoring ten goals and grabbing four assists in 34 matches.
He is considered as one of the most promising strikers in Europe and is generating plenty of attention. However, Ilzer, who worked with Hojlund in Austria, believes that despite his potential he should avoid rushing into his next move, though he has suggested that he could replace United target Victor Osimhen if he leaves Napoli this summer.
READ MORE: United might make unexpected Amad decision during pre-season opportunity
"Hojlund has an incredible mentality and his way of playing is ready for a top club," said Ilzer, as quoted by Calcio Napoli. "I know him well, I can say that due to his speed and mentality he can play for Napoli and take the place of Osimhen.
"What the Nigerian did in Naples is crazy and it won't be easy to replace him, but Hojlund could have a chance.
"Manchester United, Bayern Munich are also interested in him, but I would advise him to stay another year at Atalanta so that he can grow further and then go to a big European club.
"Hojlund, for the way he plays his role and the strength he puts on the field, I see him much more similar to Haaland rather than Osimhen. He holds the pressure perfectly, indeed the more spectators there are, the more he gets excited.
"Napoli is the club made for him and whoever gets Hojlund gets a deal."
Hojlund, who has six goals in six appearances for Denmark, is a self-proclaimed United fan and he refused to rule out the possibility of a transfer earlier this month.
He said: "It is a huge club, so I must have done something right if it's rumoured they want me. We have to see what happens. As you see and hear, I imagine a lot could happen to quite a few strikers this summer, as many clubs are looking for a No.9.
"Something will definitely happen there, and then we'll have to wait and see if I am included in it. I am very happy to be with Atalanta and we have qualified for Europe. I have found myself in a really good place here, so now we have to wait and see."
Follow the MEN's United coverage on TikTok and YouTube, and subscribe to the Manchester is Red podcast
