Dimitar Berbatov urges Manchester United to retain Rasmus Hojlund despite the competition from Benjamin Sesko. The former United star believes the Dane can thrive in a competitive environment.
Dimitar Berbatov has encouraged Manchester United to retain Rasmus Hojlund, despite the recent arrival of Benjamin Sesko. The former United striker sees the competition between the two forwards as an opportunity for Hojlund to push himself to greater heights rather than a reason for concern about his future at Old Trafford.
Hojlund’s Future in Doubt After Sesko’s Arrival
United confirmed the signing of RB Leipzig striker Sesko for £74 million on Saturday, a move that could jeopardize Hojlund’s role in the team. The 22-year-old Dane has been linked with a potential exit from the club, with rumors of interest from AC Milan circulating. However, Berbatov, who himself played in the forward role for United, believes the arrival of Sesko does not need to mean the end of Hojlund’s journey at the club.
What Berbatov Said
Speaking to The Mirror, Berbatov reflected on the challenges that come with competing for a starting spot at a top club like Manchester United: “I am excited with him [Sesko] going to United, but at the same time I am a bit cautious because [Joshua] Zirkzee and Hojlund were performing great in their previous clubs. I watched how they moved, how they bullied defenders, how they scored goals, but then going to the Premier League, they found it difficult to adjust.”
He continued, noting the pressures of being a striker at a big club: “When you are number nine of United, you need to score goals, you need to perform, this is your job. It’s a lot more to [being a] number nine these days… but ultimately it’s about the goals you score.”
Berbatov believes that Hojlund should embrace the competition and use it as motivation to prove himself: “When you buy a striker now you start to think, ‘Am I going to play? Is my place in United? Do I need to start looking for a club?’ Or maybe then you start thinking, ‘Alright, I like the competition. Now I’m going to show you. Now I’m going to fight for my place.’ So it’s a two-way scenario.”
The Bigger Picture
Despite Hojlund’s struggles last season, where he scored just four Premier League goals, Berbatov insists that healthy competition can work in Hojlund’s favor. With United looking to strengthen their attacking options by adding players like Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, Hojlund has an opportunity to prove himself and secure his place in the starting XI.
What’s Next for Hojlund?
Hojlund will be aiming to impress in United’s final pre-season match against Fiorentina before the 2025-26 Premier League campaign begins. According to Berbatov, however, it’s not just about competition for Hojlund — it’s about feeling valued and motivated to perform at his best: “As a striker, you need to feel welcome and wanted in the team, by the coach, by everybody. Then your motivation is going to be higher, and your self-esteem is going to be higher.”
