Rasmus Hojlund's Shocking Absence from Man Utd Squad Against Arsenal Explained
Rasmus Højlund's time at Manchester United seems to be coming to an end after being excluded from the squad for the season opener against Arsenal.
The Danish striker moved to the club from Atalanta in a £64 million ($86.8 million) transfer two years ago, but has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford. Going into the 2025–26 campaign, Højlund had netted 26 goals in 95 appearances for United.
Though not entirely at fault, Højlund was part of Man Utd's least effective attacking unit in Premier League history during the previous season. Consequently, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo, the league's top two xG overachievers from 2024–25, were brought in for substantial fees before their summer US tour, with the club later pursuing Benjamin Šeško as a potential replacement for Højlund.
The Slovenian striker is anticipated to make his Old Trafford bow on Sunday afternoon, likely starting on the substitutes' bench, with Amorim possibly deploying a false nine system in Højlund's place.
Why Rasmus Højlund Is Missing From Man Utd Squad vs. Arsenal
Højlund has been informed by Amorim that he faces a significant challenge to secure playing time this season, following a disappointing second campaign at the club. Despite still being relatively inexperienced, Šeško will likely establish himself as the Portuguese manager's preferred striker, though Højlund had expressed his desire to stay with the Red Devils and compete for his position.
The manager's recent decision might alter the 22-year-old's perspective.
Amorim offered lukewarm comments about Højlund during Friday's pre-match media session, when questioned by journalists about whether the former Atalanta striker remained in his plans: "He's another option available, we'll see. Our focus is on this match and Rasmus remains our player," the United manager stated.
Although Højlund joined the U.S. tour for the Premier League Summer Series and found the net in the victory over Bournemouth, he remained on the bench throughout United's final pre-season match against Fiorentina before the new campaign began.
This situation paved the way for Amorim's current decision, with United looking to offload Højlund permanently before the summer transfer window closes. RB Leipzig, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund have all shown interest, and the Red Devils are willing to consider a loan arrangement.
Šeško isn't prepared for a starting role on Sunday, but United benefit from Joshua Zirkzee's return from injury. Amorim has tested using Mason Mount and Cunha as false nines during preseason, and those two feature in United's attacking trio alongside Mbeumo against the Gunners.