Rasmus Højlund Explained

Rasmus Højlund
Birth Place:Copenhagen, Denmark
Full Name:Rasmus Winther Højlund[1]
Birth Date:4 February 2003[2]
Height:1.91 m
Position:Striker
Currentclub:Manchester United
Clubnumber:9
Youthclubs2:Brøndby
Youthyears3:–2020
Youthclubs3:Copenhagen
Years1:2020–2022
Clubs1:Copenhagen
Caps1:19
Goals1:0
Years2:2022
Clubs2:Sturm Graz
Caps2:18
Goals2:9
Years3:2022–2023
Clubs3:Atalanta
Caps3:32
Goals3:9
Years4:2023–
Clubs4:Manchester United
Caps4:38
Goals4:11
Nationalyears1:2018–2019
Nationalteam1:Denmark U16
Nationalcaps1:10
Nationalgoals1:1
Nationalyears2:2019
Nationalteam2:Denmark U17
Nationalcaps2:5
Nationalgoals2:1
Nationalyears3:2021–2022
Nationalteam3:Denmark U19
Nationalcaps3:9
Nationalgoals3:1
Nationalyears4:2022
Nationalteam4:Denmark U21
Nationalcaps4:3
Nationalgoals4:0
Nationalyears5:2022–
Nationalteam5:Denmark
Nationalcaps5:22
Nationalgoals5:7
Club-Update:23:04, 24 November 2024 (UTC)
Nationalteam-Update:23:51, 18 November 2024 (UTC)

Rasmus Winther Højlund (pronounced as /da/;[3] born 4 February 2003) is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Manchester United and the Denmark national team.

Højlund graduated from Copenhagen's youth academy, making his first-team debut for the club aged 17 in October 2020. After scoring five goals in 32 appearances for Copenhagen, he joined Austrian club Sturm Graz in January 2022. Later that year, he was signed by Atalanta for €17 million.

Højlund played youth international football for Denmark from under-16 to under-21 level. He made his senior international debut in September 2022.

Club career

Copenhagen

Højlund was born in Copenhagen[4] and grew up in Hørsholm, Capital Region.[5] He played youth football for and Brøndby, before joining Copenhagen's youth system.[6] He made his professional debut for Copenhagen at the age of 17 on 25 October 2020.[7] During the 2021–22 season, he made his debut in European competitions, contributing five goals in the UEFA Europa Conference League across qualification rounds and the tournament proper.

Sturm Graz

In January 2022, Højlund joined Austrian Bundesliga club Sturm Graz for a reported fee of €1.8 million.[8] He scored 12 goals in 21 games across all competitions during the remainder of the 2021–22 season and the start of the 2022–23 season.

Atalanta

On 27 August 2022, Højlund signed with Serie A club Atalanta in a deal worth a reported €17 million.[9] [8] He scored his first goal for Atalanta on 5 September in a 2–0 away win over Monza.[10] Initially confined to a substitute role at the beginning of the season, he carved out a place for himself in the squad due to the poor form and injuries of usual starter, Duván Zapata. In January 2023, he went on to deliver several convincing performances, notably scoring four goals in four consecutive games.[11] [12]

Manchester United

On 29 July, Premier League side Manchester United agreed a deal to sign Højlund from Atalanta for an initial £64 million fee plus £8 million in performance related add-ons, with the player agreeing a five-year deal with the option of an extra year.[13] He was then announced officially as a United player on 5 August 2023, subject to international clearance.[14]

2023–24: Debut season and adaptation

Højlund made his debut on 3 September, replacing Anthony Martial in the 67th minute of a Premier League match against Arsenal, which ended in a 3–1 defeat.[15] On 20 September, Højlund scored his first goal for the club in a 4–3 away defeat against Bayern Munich in the opening match of the 2023–24 Champions League.[16] In United's second Champions League fixture against Galatasaray at Old Trafford, he scored twice as United lost 3–2, and was named man of the match despite the defeat.[17] On 8 November, Højlund scored twice on his return to Parken in a 4–3 defeat to his former club Copenhagen.[18] He became the youngest player to score twice in an away Champions League match for Manchester United.[19] On 26 December, Højlund scored his first Premier League goal, the winner in a 3–2 home victory over Aston Villa. The goal came in his fifteenth appearance for the club, as United fought from 2–0 down to win.[20] [21]

On 4 February 2024, his 21st birthday, Højlund scored the opener in Manchester United's 3–0 victory over West Ham United.[22] A week later on 11 February, Højlund opened the scoring again, this time against Aston Villa in a 2–1 away victory, becoming the second youngest player to ever score in five successive Premier League appearances, behind only Nicolas Anelka.[23] On 18 February, he scored both of United's goals in a 2–1 victory over Luton Town, the first of which came just 37 seconds into the match. This made him the youngest player to score in six consecutive Premier League games ahead of Joe Willock's previous record.[24] After his performances in February, Højlund won the Premier League Player of the Month, becoming the first Danish player in Premier League history to win the award.[25] On 21 April, in the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City, Højlund scored the winning kick of the penalty shootout to send Manchester United to the 2024 FA Cup final after the match had ended in a 3–3 draw after extra time.[26] In the final on 25 May, Højlund won his first trophy with the club as he featured as a late substitute for Marcus Rashford, helping secure a 2–1 victory over local rivals Manchester City.[27]

After scoring in the final two fixtures against Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion, Højlund ended his first season at Manchester United with ten Premier League goals. He also scored five goals from six Champions League appearances as well as one goal in the FA Cup.[28]

2024–25

Ahead of the 2024–25 season in which he wore number 11, Højlund was assigned the squad number 9, taking the shirt from the recently departed Anthony Martial.[29] On 3 October 2024, he scored his first goal of the season in a 3–3 draw with FC Porto in the UEFA Europa League.[30] On 19 October, Højlund scored his first league goal of the season in a 2–1 home victory against Brentford, ending Manchester United's winless run of five games in the process.[31]

International career

In September 2022, Højlund played his first international matches for Denmark against Croatia and France during the UEFA Nations League,[32] debuting against the former opponent on 1 September.[33] On 23 March 2023, he made his first international start, scoring a hat-trick in a 3–1 victory against Finland during the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying, his first goals for his country.[34] He ended the qualification phase as Denmark's top-scorer with seven goals.[35] Højlund was selected for Denmark's UEFA Euro 2024 squad, debuting in their opening fixture against Slovenia.[36]

Personal life

His younger twin brothers, Emil and Oscar, are both footballers with the former currently playing for 2. Bundesliga side Schalke 04 and the latter, top German division club Eintracht Frankfurt. [37]

Career statistics

Club

Club!rowspan="2"
SeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupEuropeTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Copenhagen2020–21Danish Superliga4010—0050
2021–22Danish Superliga15010—115275
Total19020—115325
Sturm Graz2021–22Austrian Bundesliga13600—00136
2022–23Austrian Bundesliga5312—2186
Total18912—212112
Atalanta2022–23Serie A32921——3410
Manchester United2023–24Premier League30105120654316
2024–25Premier League81001053144
Total381151301185720
Career total1072910430241414447

International

[38]

Appearances and goals by national team and year!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
Denmark202220
202387
2024120
Total227

Denmark score listed first, score column indicates score after each Højlund goal.[38]

No.!scope="col"
DateVenueCapOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1 23 March 2023 Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark 3 1–0 3–1 [39]
2 2–1
3 3–1
4 26 March 2023 Astana Arena, Astana, Kazakhstan 4 1–0 2–3 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying[40]
5 2–0
6 19 June 2023 Stožice Stadium, Ljubljana, Slovenia 6 1–1 1–1 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying[41]
7 17 October 2023 San Marino Stadium, Serravalle, San Marino 10 1–0 2–1 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying

Honours

Copenhagen

2021–22[42]

Manchester United

2023–24[43]

Individual

2023[45]

February 2024[46]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Nørby Jensen . Jørgen . Rasmus Højlund Den Store Danske . lex.dk . Den Store Danske . 15 June 2023 . da . 26 March 2023 . 7 June 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230607124434/https://denstoredanske.lex.dk/Rasmus_H%C3%B8jlund . live .
  2. Web site: UEFA.com . Rasmus Højlund - Denmark - European Qualifiers . 12 June 2023 . UEFA.com . en . 12 June 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230612202343/https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/teams/players/250130221--rasmus-hojlund/ . live .
  3. Web site: 24 March 2023 . Rasmus Højlunds reaktion efter hattricket i Parken - samt reaktioner fra Kjær, Bah og Stryger . Rasmus Højlund's reaction after the hat-trick in the Park - as well as reactions from Kjær, Bah and Stryger . 27 July 2023 . . . Danish . 27 July 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230727085229/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNvwhUGO4d0&gl=US&hl=en . live .
  4. News: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RASMUS HØJLUND! . atalanta.it . 4 February 2023 . 23 June 2023 . 23 June 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230623215022/https://www.atalanta.it/en/news/happy-birthday-rasmus-hojlund-2023/ . live .
  5. Web site: Mortensen . Leo . Højlund-hattrick gør hjembyen høj: "Han er den nye Haaland" . TV 2 Kosmopol . 15 June 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230325025043/https://www.tv2kosmopol.dk/hoersholm/hoejlund-hattrick-goer-hjembyen-hoej-han-er-den-nye-haaland . 25 March 2023 . da . 24 March 2023.
  6. News: Dansk klub misser Rasmus Højlund-millioner . tipsbladet.dk . 28 March 2023 . 23 June 2023 . 23 June 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230623154552/https://www.tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/generelle/havde-haabet-paa-penge-rasmus-hoejlund . live .
  7. News: DEBUTANTEN HØJLUND: DET ER HELT SURREALISTISK - MEN JEG SKAL HJEM OG I SKOLE! . fck.dk . 26 October 2020 . 23 June 2023 . 23 June 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230623154543/https://www.fck.dk/nyhed/debutanten-hoejlund-det-er-helt-surrealistisk-men-jeg-skal-hjem-og-i-skole . live .
  8. News: Official: Atalanta break bank for 'new Haaland' Hojlund . Campanale . Susy . 27 August 2022 . Football Italia . 5 September 2022 . 26 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230326162732/https://football-italia.net/official-atalanta-break-bank-for-new-haaland-hojlund/ . live .
  9. Web site: Atalanta. WELCOME, HØJLUND!. 27 August 2022. 29 August 2022. 24 April 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230424035414/https://www.atalanta.it/en/news/welcome-hojlund/. live.
  10. News: Monza 0–2 Atalanta, Gasp new Serie A leader . 5 September 2022 . Bettoni . Lorenzo . Football Italia . 5 September 2022 . 6 September 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220906024741/https://football-italia.net/monza-0-2-atalanta-gasp-serie-a-leader/ . live .
  11. Web site: Macedo . Aurélien . Atalanta : Rasmus Højlund, la nouvelle pépite danoise qui a fait oublier Duván Zapata . Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football . 15 June 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230615133206/https://www.footmercato.net/a955544724486549308-atalanta-rasmus-hojlund-la-nouvelle-pepite-danoise-qui-a-fait-oublier-duvan-zapata . 15 June 2023 . fr . 22 January 2023.
  12. Web site: Lookman crowned January's POTM! . Atalanta . 15 June 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230217192121/https://www.atalanta.it/en/news/lookman-crowned-januarys-potm/ . 17 February 2023 . 9 February 2023.
  13. News: Man Utd agree £72m deal to sign Atalanta's Hojlund . en-GB . BBC Sport . 5 August 2023 . 7 August 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230807131119/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66319320 . live .
  14. Web site: 5 August 2023 . Hojlund signs for United . 5 August 2023 . Manchester United F.C. . en . 5 August 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230805121631/https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/rasmus-hojlund-signs-for-man-utd-official-press-release . live .
  15. Web site: Martin . Richard . 3 September 2023 . Rasmus Hojlund makes his debut! Man Utd's big money signing comes off the bench to feature vs Arsenal . 3 September 2023 . Goal . en-GB . 3 September 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230903222935/https://www.goal.com/en/news/here-comes-rasmus-hojlund-man-utd-striker-bench-arsenal-debut/blt15ca6d32d36004a5 . live .
  16. Web site: Manchester United find hope in Højlund despite Kane's dominant display . The Guardian . 20 September 2023 . 20 September 2023 . 20 September 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230920230405/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2023/sep/20/manchester-united-find-hope-in-hojlund-despite-kanes-dominant-display . live .
  17. Web site: Manchester United player ratings vs Galatasaray as Rasmus Hojlund brilliant but Andre Onana poor. 3 October 2023 . 3 October 2023. 5 October 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231005095656/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/man-united-player-ratings-galatasaray-27836542.amp. live.
  18. Web site: Copenhagen 4-3 Man United: can Ten Hag's side still progress in the Champions League?. 9 November 2023. The Athletic. 9 November 2023. 9 November 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231109181140/https://theathletic.com/5044274/2023/11/08/manchester-united-copenhagen-erik-ten-hag/. live.
  19. News: Furniss. Matt. FC Copenhagen 4-3 Manchester United Stats. 9 November 2023. 27 May 2024. theanalyst.com.
  20. Web site: 26 December 2023 . Hojlund's first goal gives Man Utd EPIC turnaround win over Villa . 27 December 2023 . Premier League . en. 24 February 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240224062025/https://www.premierleague.com/news/3836634. live.
  21. News: Man Utd 3–2 Aston Villa: Rasmus Højlund fires United to comeback win over Villa . en-GB . Simon . Stone . BBC Sport . 24 December 2023 . 26 December 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20240211233342/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67757164. 11 February 2024. live.
  22. News: Man Utd 3-0 West Ham: Rasmus Hojlund's goal and two from Alejandro Garnacho move Erik ten Hag's team sixth. 4 February 2024. 5 February 2024. Bate. Adam. Sky Sports. 5 February 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240205011026/https://www.skysports.com/football/manchester-united-vs-west-ham-united/report/482818. live.
  23. News: Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester United: Key stats. 12 February 2024. 12 February 2024. BBC. 21 April 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240421153033/https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/cjl3994rlz6o. live.
  24. News: 18 February 2024. Hojlund makes Premier League history as Man Utd hold off Luton . 18 February 2024. France 24. https://web.archive.org/web/20240225004821/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240218-hojlund-makes-premier-league-history-as-man-utd-hold-off-luton. 25 February 2024. live. Agence France-Presse.
  25. Web site: 8 March 2024 . Hojlund makes history as EA SPORTS Player of the Month . 8 March 2024 . Premier League . 13 April 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240413105338/https://www.premierleague.com/news/3921955. live.
  26. News: Coventry 3-3 Man Utd (2-4 on penalties): Erik ten Hag's side survive epic Sky Blues comeback to reach FA Cup final. 21 April 2024. 22 April 2024. Sky Sports. Smith. Peter. https://web.archive.org/web/20240422023742/https://www.skysports.com/football/coventry-city-vs-manchester-united/report/504423. 22 April 2024. live.
  27. News: Yew. Oliver. Man City 1-2 Man Utd: Erik ten Hag's side end season on high with stunning FA Cup final win at Wembley. 26 May 2024. 26 May 2024. Sky Sports.
  28. Web site: Rasmus Højlund on track to achieve top scorer status in his first season at Man Utd. 20 May 2024. 4 October 2024. Manchester United.
  29. Web site: Rasmus Højlund to wear new Manchester United shirt number in 2024/25. 24 July 2024. 4 October 2024. Manchester United.
  30. Web site: Porto 2-1 Manchester United: Europa League match report. 3 October 2024. 4 October 2024. The Guardian.
  31. News: Man Utd 2-1 Brentford: Rasmus Hojlund scores winner as Erik ten Hag’s team come from behind to win. 20 October 2024. 22 October 2024. Sky Sports. Bate. Adam.
  32. News: The "new" Haaland is here. Mundo Deportivo. 24 February 2023.
  33. News: Rasmus Højlund: A Remarkable Start to His Denmark Career. OneFootball. 18 October 2023. 15 August 2024.
  34. Web site: Hojlund the hat-trick hero as Denmark beat Finland 3–1. Reuters. 23 March 2023 . 23 March 2023.
  35. Web site: EURO 2024 qualifying top scorers: Romelu Lukaku races clear of competition. 20 November 2023. UEFA.
  36. Web site: Denmark-Slovenia Line-ups European Qualifiers 2024 . UEFA. 16 June 2024.
  37. Web site: Bundesliga | Emil Højlund: Who is the Schalke new boy with a twin in the Bundesliga? .
  38. Web site: Rasmus Højlund. EU-Football.info. 21 November 2024. 27 September 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220927171623/https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=32029. live.
  39. Web site: Denmark vs. Finland 3–1: Summary . Soccerway . 23 March 2023 . 23 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230323214148/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2023/03/23/europe/european-championship-qualification/denmark/finland/3972746/ . live .
  40. Web site: Kazakhstan vs. Denmark 3–2: Summary . Soccerway . 26 March 2023 . 26 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230326155219/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2023/03/26/europe/european-championship-qualification/kazakhstan/denmark/3972748/ . live .
  41. Web site: Slovenia vs. Denmark 1–1: Summary . Soccerway . 23 June 2023 . 19 June 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230619215706/https://nr.soccerway.com/matches/2023/06/19/europe/european-championship-qualification/slovenia/denmark/3972756/ . live .
  42. Web site: FC Copenhagen win 14th Danish league title . www.dailytimes.com.pk . 22 May 2022 . 12 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221012221901/https://dailytimes.com.pk/939970/fc-copenhagen-win-14th-danish-league-title/ . live .
  43. News: Manchester City 1–2 Manchester United: Line-ups . BBC Sport . 25 May 2024 . 25 May 2024.
  44. Web site: 22 December 2023 . Rasmus Højlund er Årets Mandlige Talent 2023 . 29 December 2023 . DBU . DA.
  45. Web site: 5 January 2024. IFFHS MEN'S YOUTH (U20) WORLD TEAM 2023. 5 January 2024. IFFHS.
  46. Web site: Rasmus Højlund: Overview . Premier League . 25 May 2024.

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