Rasmus Hojlund set to wear No. 17 shirt number ahead of Man United exit for Brazilian star Fred

Danish forward, Rasmus Hojlund is reportedly set to sport the number 17 shirt number for Manchester United ahead of the incoming Premier League start next weekend, with the Old Trafford side exited to explore options regarding the sale of Brazilian midfielder, Fred, later this week.

Hojlund, who arrived at Old Trafford last week, joins from Italian side Atalanta, following a break-out season in Serie A. 

Heralded as one of the most technically-gifted talents in modern football today, the Danish international, who netted 10 times in all competitions last season for the Italian side, was presented to United fans ahead of last weekend’s friendly victory against French outfit, RC Lens. 

And after much speculation regarding which shirt number the 20-year-old will receive, amid the uncertain future of French striker and club number nine, Hojlund – Italian reporter, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Hojlund will wear number 17 this season, with Brazilian midfielder, Fred – who currently sports the number, expected to leave the club during the summer transfer window.

Known for his immense energy whilst playing in the country which invented the incline treadmill, former Shatkar Donestk midfielder, Fred had enjoyed an impressive campaign under the tutelage of head coach, Erik ten Had during the Dutchman’s first season in charge of United.

However, with apparent interest coming from London club, Fulham, and Turkish side, Galatasaray – it appears Fred’s time at Old Trafford is set to come to an end – potentially as soon as this week. 

In terms of a replacement for the 30-year-old midfield engine, Manchester United have identified Fiorentina midfielder and Moroccan international, Sofyan Amrabat as an ideal candidate to bolster options in the center of the park – in a summer which has already seen the Red Devils splash their transfer kitty on English international, Mason Mount. 

Failing to appear throughout United’s final two pre-season outings against RC Lens and Athletic Bilbao – the second of which in a Sunday trip to Dublin, Danish striker, Hojlund has been tipped to take frontman duties from the tireless Marcus Rashford, who has himself stated his desire to ply his trade in a more traditional left wing position for last season’s top scorer. 

Drawing comparisons to his fellow Nordic striker, Manchester City star, Erling Haaland – Hojlund drew significant interest from Ligue 1 champions, PSG, who had reportedly offered the lifelong United fan a lucrative deal to switch Lombardy for Paris. 

In turn, however, with United successful pursuit of the 2003-born forward, Paris Saint-Germain boss, Luis Enrique has instead nabbed Portuguese forward, Goncalo Ramos from Benfica – for a reported €80,000,000. 

As far as further recruits for ten Hag’s side, United are understood to have identified French center half, Jean-Clair Todibo as a potential acquisition should former club captain, Harry Maguire depart the Old Trafford side – amid reported interest in potential double swoop from UEFA Conference League winners, West Ham United, which could include a deal for Scottish midfielder, Scott McTominay.