Goncalo Ramos was Manchester United’s “backup option” if they had failed to sign Rasmus Hojlund, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Portuguese international is poised to sign for Paris Saint-Germain in a deal up worth to €80m (£69m) but Romano says he was also on the Red Devils’ list of striker targets:
Told Gonçalo Ramos was backup option in Manchester United list with Højlund as priority… and he’s now joining PSG, deal at final stages 🔴🔵🇵🇹 #PSG
Details expected to be fixed today then it will be done for €80m package.
Luis Campos already wanted Ramos one year ago. pic.twitter.com/wz6TiYFvTI
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 3, 2023
Some fans on X are disappointed that United didn’t pursue a move for Ramos, while others are happy that manager Erik ten Hag secured his top target in Hojlund:
We messed up here
— Tom (@Tom22Watts) August 3, 2023
Shoulda got both fr
— Joseph (@josephmufc320) August 3, 2023
We bought the better striker 😅
— @iam_Walt (@Ogbeni_Buremo) August 3, 2023
Only time will tell but PSG got better deal as of now
— Tanzim Ibthesam (@TanzimIbthesam) August 3, 2023
More clinical more natural he’s the next Benzema. Really wanted him but it was clear EtH preferred Hojlund so it is what it is
— Salim Bin Hag🔥🔴 (@godwinF_12) August 3, 2023
I’m happy with Højlund. Ramos is class but I am already locked in with Rasmus and wanted him from day one
— 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐫 (@UtdEra_) August 3, 2023
Would’ve preferred Ramos but at least we got a striker
— Mitch🦌 (@Mitchellbradzzz) August 3, 2023
Rasmus is Good no regrets
— Mr_Say🇶🇦 (@ChilezinhoYugoh) August 3, 2023
Hojlund was ten Hag’s choice
It does sound as though ten Hag was the one who pushed the club into making a move for Hojlund. Ramos and, another target, Randal Kolo Muani, had more proven track records at the highest level, but it seems the Dane’s potential proved to be the deciding factor.
Spending £72m on a player who has yet to score double figures in a top European league is still a risk, though, no matter how you look at it.
United fans may need to be patient with their new signing
Club legend Rio Ferdinand has spoken out this week stating the Hojlund may need a year to adapt to the Premier League, much like Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez
It won’t be easy for a 20-year-old with limited experience to hit the ground running but it will be hoped that it doesn’t take too long for him to settle in.
