Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has confessed to idolizing the legendary Red Devils player Cristiano Ronaldo during his formative years.
Hojlund, who joined United in a £72 million transfer from Atalanta during the summer transfer window, has been gradually winning over fans despite encountering challenges in the Premier League. Notably, the Danish international has shone as one of Erik ten Hag’s standout performers in the Champions League group stage, despite United securing only three points from their first four games.
Although he hails from Denmark, Hojlund emphasizes his childhood allegiance to Manchester United. He discloses that during Ronaldo’s initial stint at Old Trafford, he actively sought to absorb as much as possible from the iconic player.
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“Cristiano has always been my idol while growing up,” Hojlund shared with TeamViewer Diaries. “I consistently regarded him as the best football player globally, and I endeavored to learn from him. He stands out as arguably the greatest goalscorer ever. I observed him in the past when he was more of a dribbler, and now he has evolved into a true goalscorer. His immense talent combined with hard work to become the best ever is something I admire about him.”
Ronaldo first joined United in 2003 from Sporting CP as a traditional touchline winger and quickly established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting players upon arrival at Old Trafford.
United went three years without a Premier League title during Ronaldo’s first seasons with the club before he played a starring role in their 2006/07 triumph, winning the PFA Players’ Player, Young Player and FWA Footballer of the Year awards for his efforts.
He won the first of his five Ballons d’Or in 2008 after United retained their Premier League title and won the Champions League. Ronaldo left for Real Madrid at the end of the 2008/09 season for a then-world record fee of £80m.
After 12 years away at Real Madrid and then Juventus, Ronaldo returned to United in 2021. Though he scored a respectable 27 goals in 54 games during this second stint, Ronaldo’s United career ended in infamy after falling out with Ten Hag and having his contract terminated by mutual consent.