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Rasmus Hojlund has revealed that he has drawn inspiration from former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo throughout his career.
Hojlund joined United this summer amid much fanfare. He joined from Atalanta for £72 million and signed a five-year contract with the club.
Despite being only 20, Hojlund arrived at Old Trafford with the expectation that he would become one of the club’s main outlets in front of goal, with the side lacking natural goalscorers since Ronaldo’s departure midway through last season.
Born just six months before Sir Alex Ferguson would first bring Ronaldo to United after the then teenager dazzled the Premier League champions in a pre-season friendly, Hojlund explained that he grew up idolizing the five-time Ballon d’ Or winner.
“Cristiano has always been my idol growing up,” Hojlund said TeamViewer diaries.
Rasmus Hojlund revealed that he has drawn inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo throughout his career
Hojlund added that Ronaldo’s famous work rate is the attribute he most admires about the former Man United star
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‘I always thought he was the best footballer in the world and I just tried to learn from him.
‘He is also probably the greatest goalscorer ever. I always watched him when he was more of a dribbler and now he is a real, real goalscorer.
“You know he had the right talent, but he worked hard to become the best ever and I like that about him.”
Hojlund added that he is inspired by Ronaldo’s renowned work ethic, noting that he is working tirelessly to continue developing as a forward during his first season at United.
“I think there are a lot of things I can improve on, and that’s a good thing because then I think I can develop into an even bigger striker than I am now,” he continued.
‘Hopefully I can continue to learn every day from the boys here, from the matches and from the technical staff.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s second spell at Old Trafford ended bitterly last year
Ronaldo’s first spell at the club began six months after Hojlund was born in 2003
‘In modern football we have to do the hard work from the front line as well. The game evolves, and I learned that in my youth.
“So I’ve always been used to the urgent part. And like you said, I think this is one of the things I’m good at. The boss also wants me and the front line to work a shift, so yeah, that’s good.’
Hojlund has made a flying start to his United career on the continent, with five goals in four Champions League games, including a first-half brace in the club’s defeat to Copenhagen on Wednesday.
However, the Denmark international is still looking for his first Premier League goal.
He appeared to have opened his account when United hosted Brighton in September, but a subsequent VAR check ruled out the attack after the ball went out of play in the build-up to the match.