The future of Rasmus Højlund at Manchester United has taken a dramatic twist. The Danish striker has been left out of United’s squad for their huge clash against Arsenal, and the decision by manager Ruben Amorim feels like a brutal bombshell.
For many fans, this is the clearest signal yet that Højlund’s Old Trafford career is over.
Højlund, just 22 years old, joined United in 2023 with big hopes of becoming the club’s next star striker. But after scoring only four Premier League goals last season, doubts quickly began to grow about whether he could lead the line for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Now, with the arrival of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, his role has been pushed even further into the shadows.
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Amorim’s decision not to even name Højlund on the bench against Arsenal is being seen as the moment that sealed his fate. United insiders told The Athletic that the Dane was warned he would face “a challenge to get minutes” this season.
That warning became reality with his complete omission from one of United’s most important fixtures of the season.
Fans reacted instantly, with many saying Amorim’s bombshell decision has “ended Højlund’s Manchester United career.”
One fan wrote online: “The Sesko deal has finished him. Amorim didn’t even try to hide it.”
Another added: “It’s a brutal call but United can’t waste more time. Sesko is the real deal.”
The brutal timing comes just as Sesko signed a five-year deal with United, costing the club an initial £66.3 million, rising to £73.7 million with add-ons.
Amorim praised the Slovenian striker after United’s friendly against Fiorentina: “He has the characteristics we needed,” Amorim said. “He’s young, good in the air, runs the channels, and has a lot of potential. We are really, really happy to have him.”
He added: “Last season we struggled without a striker reference. Now we have one.”
Those words felt like a dagger to Højlund’s chances.
Højlund’s stats last season tell their own story. Despite working hard and often leading the line, he scored more goals in the Europa League (six) than in the Premier League (four). His lack of presence in big matches, including the Europa League final against Tottenham, left many fans disappointed.
It wasn’t the return United expected after spending big to bring him from Atalanta.
Even before Sesko’s arrival, Højlund faced huge criticism. Supporters complained about his positioning, movement, and lack of killer instinct in front of goal. Amorim has now shown he agrees with those concerns by turning to Sesko as his main forward.
For Højlund, being left out entirely against Arsenal feels like the final straw.
But the striker himself hasn’t given up hope. Speaking during the Premier League Summer Series, he told reporters: “I think the most important thing for me is to keep working hard and stay focused. My plan is very clear: to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens.”
He added: “I’m still very young, only 22. Not every striker has scored 100 goals by this age. I’m improving the basics of my game, and now it’s about sharpening myself.”
Despite his defiant words, transfer talks are already heating up. AC Milan are interested in taking him on loan with an option to buy, while Borussia Dortmund are keeping a close watch.
According to reports in Italy, Milan and United are negotiating over a possible loan fee, with Højlund open to returning to Serie A where he previously played for Atalanta.
For United fans, the debate continues. Some believe Amorim has been too harsh, while others feel the manager is simply being realistic.
One fan told Sky Sports: “It’s tough, but United can’t wait forever. We need goals, and Sesko gives us that.”
Another replied: “It’s unfair to give up on him so quickly. He’s still developing. At 22, he deserves another chance.”
The Arsenal match may go down as the symbolic end of Højlund’s Manchester United journey. Amorim has shown he isn’t afraid of making bold, ruthless decisions, and this is perhaps his boldest yet.
By leaving Højlund out, he has sent a message to the squad and the fans: United are moving on.
If Højlund does leave, his story at Old Trafford will be remembered as one of promise unfulfilled. A young striker full of potential, but unable to adapt to the intense pressure of leading the line for Manchester United.
For Højlund, the next chapter could be in Milan, Dortmund, or elsewhere. But for now, his Manchester United career is hanging by a thread.
The bombshell has been dropped. And it may be the beginning of the end.
