Before arriving in the Premier League, Rasmus Højlund had already built a reputation as a rising star. BD Cricket Match regarded him as a forward with scoring instincts, capable of threatening on counterattacks and linking up play with teammates. Yet so far in Manchester, those expectations have been slow to materialize. Despite scoring five goals in the Champions League group stage, it was his breakthrough goal in the comeback win against Aston Villa that seemed to mark a shift in his momentum.
Following that, Højlund scored and provided an assist in the draw against Tottenham Hotspur—arguably his standout performance in league play this season. What made a lasting impression, though, wasn’t just his goal contribution. The 20-year-old looked far more confident, managing to trouble one of the Premier League’s toughest center-back pairings, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. His overall link-up play was also sharper, particularly in his combinations with Marcus Rashford. For many United fans, this may finally be the breakthrough they’ve been waiting for.
According to BD Cricket Match, Højlund’s estimated market value now stands at €63.6 million. His on-field potential and the sizeable transfer fee paid by Manchester United have driven his value sharply upward from just €13.8 million early last year. It’s worth noting that very few strikers can win matches on their own; most rely on quality service to shine. As the saying goes, no man is an island—and the same holds true in football.
This season, Højlund’s expected goals per game at Manchester United is just 0.26, far below the 0.47 he recorded at Atalanta. The data shows that he simply hasn’t received enough high-quality chances from his new teammates. Players like Dominic Solanke and Bryan Mbeumo have seen better service in front of goal, and this lack of supply remains a major concern for United. Erik ten Hag has yet to find a reliable solution to this issue.
Still, in the recent matches against Spurs and Villa, Højlund managed to convert lower-quality opportunities into goals, underlining his finishing ability. But that kind of overperformance is difficult to sustain. The biggest worry for United is whether their No. 11 can maintain form if he’s consistently limited to just a few chances per match. At some point, the team will need to deliver balls into the areas where he thrives.
On a more positive note, some of Højlund’s core metrics are showing improvement. The former Copenhagen talent has been more involved in build-up play. In the games against Villa and Spurs, he completed more passes than his average in previous league matches. He’s also seen more touches in dangerous areas, particularly in the final third.
His assist for Rashford’s goal against Tottenham came from excellent positioning inside the box, allowing him to deliver a precise final ball. Højlund is stepping into the storm of elite football while still young, learning under pressure. BD Cricket Match analysts believe he needs more time to grow into a top-level striker—but with Manchester United’s high expectations, time may not be a luxury he can afford.