'Man Utd wanted me but signed Rasmus Hojlund instead - now I could replace him'

Manchester United have been linked with a fresh move for PSG star Randal Kolo Muani, having previously targeted the forward in 2023. The club ultimately opted to sign Rasmus Hojlund ahead of Kolo Muani that summer, but the France international looks to be available once again.

United were enticed by Hojlund’s long-term potential, having impressed during his time at Atalanta, resulting in an eye-catching £72million move to Old Trafford. After a slow start, the young Dane ended his debut season with 16 goals in all competitions, but he found the net on just 10 occasions last term.

As United work on improving their frontline through the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, Ruben Amorim’s side have also been linked with a new number nine. Kolo Muani may have been snubbed in favour of Hojlund two years ago, but reports in Italy have claimed that United are targeting the PSG forward, who spent time on loan at Juventus last season.

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Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that United have entered the race to sign Kolo Muani. The France international completed an initial £65m (€75m) move to PSG in 2023 following a prolific spell at Eintracht Frankfurt, which had also caught United's attention.

The 26-year-old has since struggled to cement his place at the French club but showed signs of his best form during his Juventus loan spell, scoring 10 goals in 22 games. Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Kolo Muani remains a top target for Juventus and discussions with PSG are ongoing, but United are also pursuing the forward.

It is reported that United’s interest in Kolo Munai, who is claimed to favour a return to Turin, has become more concrete since missing out on Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal. Meanwhile, PSG are keen to complete a permanent sale for the forward, though Juventus are said to have proposed a £8.6m (€10m) loan fee ahead of a future £39m (€45m) deal.

However, if United succeed in snapping up Juventus target Kolo Muani, it could have a knock-on effect for Hojlund. Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Kolo Muani heading to Old Trafford would lead Juventus to have an interest in signing Hojlund on loan.

Hojlund does have Serie A experience from his sole season with Atalanta. The 22-year-old scored nine league goals for the Bergamo club before sealing his big-money move to United.

The potential arrival of Kolo Muani would threaten Hojlund’s place in the pecking order. He is already competing with Joshua Zirkzee and youngster Chido Obi for a starting spot, while new signings Cunha and Mbeumo could also be viewed as alternative centre-forwards.

Kolo Muani is in need of a fresh start, as it recently emerged that he has been made to train with the youth team as PSG looks to offload the forward. If a move fails to materialise this summer, he faces the unenviable task of competing with PSG’s Champions League-winning attack for game time.

United have also been linked with moves for Aston Villa ’s Ollie Watkins and Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic. However, United boss Amorim recently played down the team’s need for new signings.

"In the moment we need to be careful when we sign a player,” Amorim explained. “If I start the season with this squad I will be happy."

He added: "You feel the bond between the players in the best teams. We remind ourself how special it is to be at the best club in the world. I really like to be in a group that is healthy. We are going to suffer but that feeling of bonding is really important. The spirit is positive."

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