Bombshell as Manchester United transfer list £70m flop just hours before Newcastle United clash

Eddie Howe’s men welcome Ruben Amorim and Co to St James’ Park looking for a third consecutive home win against the Red Devils. More bizarrely, victory today would cement Newcastle’s first league double over Man United since the 1930-31 season.

Champions League qualification is the motivation as the Magpies - buoyed by Carabao Cup success last month - aim to book their place among the European elite. Alexander Isak has been in red-hot form and is regarded as one of the best strikers on the planet, with his strike sealing a 2-0 triumph at Old Trafford four months ago.

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Man United - enduring a notable decline in recent years - could only dream of a player like the Swede leading their attack. But the fact they paid more for misfiring No.9 Hojlund than Newcastle did for Isak highlights their failures in the transfer market.

The Dane has netted 24 goals in 85 goals across all competitions since his £72million move from Atalanta. However, only 12 have come in the Premier League and questions are emerging about his future.

Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee - another questionable signing - are Man United’s two striker options and Amorim is understood to be favouring his own man this summer. Recent reports have linked the Red Devils and Newcastle with Ipswich Town talisman Liam Delap.

Ironically, the Magpies are thought to stand a slimmer chance due to Isak being the undisputed No.1 goal-getter at St James’ Park. Bombshell claims in Italy now suggest Hojlund could move on to free up funds, with Man United working under a tricky PSR landscape.

Tuttomercatoweb claim Old Trafford chiefs would do business for £52million - with Juventus named as a potential suitor. Hojlund’s stock remains high in Italy due to his spell at Atalanta.

The news comes as Hojlund is preparing for a raucous atmosphere on Tyneside this afternoon. He did score against Newcastle last May in Man United’s 3-2 win at Old Trafford.

Rasmus Hojlund honest on Manchester United struggles

Hojlund has admitted to “struggling” mentally because of his form for the Red Devils. A lot of pressure was placed on the Dane’s shoulders despite him scoring just nine goals for Atalanta the previous campaign.

"It's short-term in terms of like we know what this football club means, and the DNA is so sewn into the shirt and we know what it means,” Hojlund told Premier League Productions. “I wouldn't have signed here if I didn't know that. I wouldn't have taken the number nine shirt in the summer if I didn't think I wanted to have that sort of pressure.

“With it not being the best season, I've also struggled with it at some point. But again, it's about finding your way and keep doing the things that got you here, but also working on the things you think you should improve.

“That's what I'm always trying to do. I'm young, I've still got loads of time and just trying to better really. That's my target."

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