Revealed: How £72m Man Utd striker Rasmus Hojlund came to ‘idolise’ Cristiano Ronaldo & why the Portuguese remains a source of inspiration

The Denmark international is following in the footsteps of his idol after securing a £72 million ($91m) transfer to Old Trafford. He will not be taking on the famous No. 7 jersey, having inherited the No. 11 instead, but is ready to provide a similar source of attacking inspiration.

Hojlund could not wish for a better role model, with Ronaldo a five-time Ballon d’Or winner that has cemented a standing among the all-time greats. Many look to him for lessons on how to model and improve their own game, with the latest attacking recruit in Manchester no different.

Hojlund has told Sky Sports of why he is a United supporter and how Ronaldo shaped his mindset growing up: “My father introduced me when I was not so young. He introduced me to Cristiano Ronaldo, and wanted me to idolise him because he has a good mentality. That's the reason he achieved so much in his career and for me is the best player ever. He had the talent but it's how hard he worked. I've seen a few interviews with ex-Manchester United players and they all said he wasn't a complete footballer when he came. He was skilful, but he developed.”

Ronaldo, who is still going strong with Al-Nassr at 38 years of age, hit 145 goals for United across his two spells with the club – winning his first Champions League and Ballon d’Or while with the Red Devils – and Hojlund is being asked to fill the void that his hero’s sudden departure from Old Trafford in November 2022 created.