Man Utd target Rasmus Hojlund reveals former Red Devils defender is the toughest opponent he's faced

 Man United target Rasmus Hojlund has identified former Reds ace Chris Smalling as the player he has struggled against the most.

Manchester United transfer target Rasmus Hojlund has named former Reds centre-back Chris Smalling as the toughest defender he has ever come up against.

The Atalanta forward, who joined the Italian club from Sturm Graz 11 months ago, has been identified as United's primary target to strengthen their attacking options this summer. The Dane has already held talks with United manager Erik ten Hag via video calls and is a self-proclaimed United supporter.

Football director John Murtough has been in Italy to hold talks with Atalanta officials to try and and reach an agreement. United have made signing a striker their top priority this summer and have identified Hojlund as the most attainable option.

Originally, the Reds had earmarked Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane as their preferred target, but have always been mindful of the fact the Londoners may not be prepared to sell him this summer. Alternatively, they have pinpointed Hojlund as a suitable back-up option.

The 20-year-old made a solid impression in his first season in Italy, scoring ten goals and grabbing four assists in 34 appearances, helping Atalanta finish fifth in the Serie A table, one point ahead of sixth-placed Roma. Atalanta did the double over Jose Mourinho's side last term, winning 1-0 away from home and 3-1 on their own patch.

Despite beating the Italian giants twice last term, it was former United defender Smalling, who moved to the Italian capital in 2019, initially on loan, that Hojlund found the most challenging to get the better of. He has said that the former Fulham ace has given him the "biggest problems" that he has so far faced in his career.

"Chris Smalling from Roma gave me the biggest problems," said Hojlund, as quoted by Tuttosport. "He's an intelligent, agile, fast, physically strong defender.

"I tried to win duels with him by using my physical strength, but it wasn't the winning move. I still have to find the right key to overcome it."

Hojlund, who has six goals in six games for Denmark, is a strong and physical figure himself, sparking comparisons to Manchester City ace Erling Haaland. He can be a nuisance for opposing defenders, using his strength and physicality to make life difficult for them.