The 63-goal striker Man United thought was worse value than £72m Rasmus Hojlund as Erik ten Hag's recruitment is further scrutinised

Manchester United reportedly rejected signing one of the Premier League 's most prolific strikers with Erik ten Hag instead demanding Rasmus Hojlund moved to Old Trafford instead.

The club's goal struggles have been well documented during Ten Hag's reign with Hojlund yet to score in the league this season having only just recently returned from a disruptive injury.

The 21-year-old centre forward's arrival buoyed United supporters when he made a £72m switch to England's northwest from Atalanta last year.

However, a difficult debut campaign in the Premier League saw him struggle with consistency and a 16-goal return across all competitions only told half the story as the club endured a miserable league and European season.

Hojlund's first year at United also saw another blossoming striker enjoy his best career campaign that coincided with him scoring crucial goals for both club and country.

It has now been revealed that Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins was under serious consideration by United's INEOS-backed sporting department only for them to pursue Hojlund's signature instead, as reported by ESPN.

Watkins fired Unai Emery's side to Champions League qualification, played a crucial role in England's run to the Euro 2024 final, and has started the season impressively by scoring four goals in seven Premier League campaigns.

At United, it was ultimately decided that Watkins' age of 28 made him a shorter term project than the more younger, but also inexperienced, Hojlund.

The club's decision was further compounded as Watkins lifted the playmaker of the season award with 13 assists as he became one of Europe's most potent attacking stars.

United boss Ten Hag again revisited the need for a goalscorer in the most recent transfer window and brought in Netherlands international Joshua Zirkzee, however, the former Bologna striker has so far struggled to settle in his new surroundings.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag's recruitment has been one of the factors contributing to intense scrutiny over his position as club executives consider his future prospects.

A goalless draw against Watkins' Villa team on Sunday granted him some immediate breathing space going into the international break, despite Ten Hag overseeing the club's worst start to a Premier League season.

United are currently in 14th after winning just two out of seven fixtures and are already 10 points adrift of league leaders, Liverpool.