Man Utd could trade Hojlund for the Premier League striker Amorin dreams of

Manchester United could use misfiring striker Rasmus Hojlund as a makeweight in a summer transfer deal to secure Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Hojlund’s struggles this season has been plain for all to see. These came into particular focus in midweek during the 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest – a clash in which centre-back Harry Maguire posed the home defence more trouble in a fleeting cameo than the Denmark striker had managed for the duration.

This has led to questions over the future of the 22-year-old. Thankfully, a solution that suits all parties could be just around the corner, thanks to Crystal Palace.

With United eager to snap up Mateta in the summer, Hojlund could travel in the opposite direction as a makeweight.

Talks over a €50 million move have already taken place, according to L’Equipe, while Mateta’s suitability to Man Utd is clear. Although he is not the typical profile that Ineos are searching for at Old Trafford, he is a strong fit for the Red Devils and wants to join the club.

Palace an idea fit for Hojlund

For one thing, it’s clear that the Dane needs to get back on the goal trail to regain some confidence. He is a better player than he has shown in recent weeks and months, and he is typical of the type of player who would be better with a move away from Man Utd.

There is no better destination for him in the Premier League than Crystal Palace, according to data analytics firm SciSports.

The Selhurst Park side get a Club Fit score of 75, which is based around various factors from potential development and playing time to style and formation.

While Palace do not rank highly in terms of Hojlund realising his best version, they are a strong fit to get him immediately back on his feet, with strong suitability in terms of their style and system, not to mention plenty of playing time.

Finances could, of course, be a complicating factor for such a move, but it would provide an ideal solution for Man Utd, Mateta and Hojlund.