Manchester United have been engaged in negotiations with Serie A giants Inter Milan since May 2025 regarding the potential transfer of their £85,000-per-week striker, Rasmus Højlund, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The discussions, which have yet to yield an agreement, center on the 22-year-old Danish forward, whose inconsistent form during United’s challenging 2024–25 Premier League season has fueled speculation about his future. As manager Rúben Amorim and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe work to overhaul the squad, this transfer saga could significantly impact United’s attacking options and financial strategy. This article explores the negotiations, Højlund’s role, and the broader implications, drawing on insights from Yahoo Sports, Football365, and other sources.
The Negotiations: A Complex Deal
Since May 2025, Manchester United’s director of negotiations, Matt Hargreaves, has been in talks with Inter Milan to explore a transfer for Højlund, signed from Atalanta in 2023 for £72 million. Romano reports that United are insisting on a permanent transfer, rejecting loan proposals, while Inter are pushing for a deal that aligns with their financial constraints, creating a “gap between the parties.” No agreement has been reached as of June 30, 2025, with United’s firm stance suggesting Højlund could remain at Old Trafford if their terms aren’t met.
Inter’s interest stems from Højlund’s potential, despite his struggles in a United side enduring their worst-ever Premier League campaign. Football365 notes that Inter are “not discouraged” by United’s poor season, viewing the 6-foot-3 striker as a long-term investment to complement their squad. Recent reports also indicate United explored a swap deal with Napoli, involving Inter loanee Romelu Lukaku, though this has not progressed.
Rasmus Højlund: Profile and Performance
Højlund, born February 4, 2003, in Copenhagen, Denmark, earns £85,000 per week, per Capology, making him one of United’s lower earners among high-profile players like Casemiro (£350,000/week) and Marcus Rashford (£300,000/week). Signed at 20, he was heralded as a future star after scoring 10 goals in 16 Serie A starts for Atalanta in 2022–23. His physicality, work rate, and finishing drew comparisons to Erling Haaland, but at United, he has struggled, scoring 10 Premier League goals in 2023–24 and fewer in 2024–25 due to injuries and poor team form.
Under Amorim, who joined in November 2024, Højlund has been a regular starter but hasn’t replicated his early promise. The Athletic notes United’s attack has been “blunt,” with Højlund’s output hampered by inconsistent service and tactical shifts to a 3-4-3 formation. Fans on X, like @unitedsc0ut, express frustration, with some labeling him a “misfiring striker,” though others argue his youth warrants patience.
Why Inter Milan and Why Now?
Inter’s pursuit aligns with their need for a young, dynamic forward to bolster their attack, especially after their 2024–25 Serie A title challenge. Højlund’s familiarity with Italian football and his 14 caps for Denmark (7 goals) make him an attractive target. Inter’s financial model, however, favors cost-effective deals, as seen with their loan of Lukaku, per Yahoo Sports. United’s insistence on a permanent transfer, likely exceeding £50 million to recoup their investment, complicates negotiations.
United’s broader squad overhaul under Ratcliffe’s INEOS group, aiming to cut the £172.4 million annual wage bill, also drives the talks. With high earners like Rashford (on loan at Aston Villa) and Jadon Sancho (loaned to Chelsea) already offloaded, Højlund’s £4.42 million annual salary is modest but his potential sale could fund targets like Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, a priority for Amorim, per Yahoo Sports.
Implications for Manchester United
If Højlund departs, United’s attacking depth would be tested, with Matheus Cunha, signed in 2025, as their only major striker addition, per Yahoo Sports. Amorim has frozen out other forwards, like Alejandro Garnacho, who is linked with a summer move, indicating a ruthless squad rebuild. A successful sale could provide financial flexibility under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), but losing a young talent risks fan backlash, especially after a season with no Champions League qualification, which triggered 25% wage cuts for players like Rashford, per All Football.
Conversely, retaining Højlund could signal faith in his development, aligning with Amorim’s youth-focused vision, as seen with Amad Diallo’s new five-year contract in January 2025. However, United’s second-highest wage bill in the Premier League (£3.31 million/week) pressures Ratcliffe to offload players not delivering value.
Fan and Media Sentiment
The negotiations have sparked mixed reactions. X posts, like @SimplyUtd’s June 23, 2025, report on United pushing for Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, suggest fans are eager for new signings over retaining Højlund. Others, like @CantonasMind, argue United should focus on nurturing talent rather than selling young players prematurely. Media outlets like TEAMtalk highlight Ratcliffe’s frustration with high-wage contracts, noting Højlund’s modest salary makes him a less urgent departure compared to Casemiro or Antony (on loan at Real Betis). The Guardian emphasizes Inter’s confidence in Højlund’s potential, viewing him as a “calculated risk” despite his 2024–25 struggles.
What This Means for Fans and the Club
For Manchester United fans, the Højlund saga reflects a pivotal moment in the club’s rebuild under Amorim and Ratcliffe. A transfer to Inter could signal a shift toward a leaner, more financially disciplined squad, but it risks squandering a player with high upside. If no deal is reached, Højlund’s role under Amorim will be critical, especially with United’s attack needing cohesion. Fans can follow updates on www.manutd.com or X for real-time developments, but as Romano notes, “nothing has been agreed,” leaving Højlund’s future uncertain as the transfer window progresses.
The outcome will shape United’s 2025–26 season, with implications for their Premier League aspirations and financial strategy. For now, the Red Devils remain focused on balancing youth development with cost-cutting, as Højlund’s potential exit looms large.
