Sacchi slams Hojlund over Milan stance: ‘We’re not talking about van Basten’

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United warms up during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and ACF Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 09, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Legendary former Milan and Italy head coach Arrigo Sacchi says that he ‘doesn’t understand’ Rasmus Hojlund’s reluctance to join the Rossoneri from Manchester United this summer, suggesting that the Dane is no Marco van Basten, and that when Milan calls, you ‘have to pack your bag and get on the first plane to Malpensa’.

Hojlund is a target for Milan, who currently have Santiago Gimenez as the only senior centre-forward in their squad. The Rossoneri have also explored a potential move for Juventus’s Dusan Vlahovic, who, however, earns around four times as much as the former Atalanta forward.

Milan are pushing to bring Hojlund in on an initial loan from Manchester United, where he is expected to fall down the pecking order following the arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha this summer.

United have opened up to this possibility, but recent reports indicate that the player himself is keen to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford.

Sacchi, however, can not understand Hojlund’s stance on Milan.

Sacchi: ‘Hojlund is not van Basten, he’s a decent player, nothing more’

Speaking in a recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 79-year-old said: “We’re not talking about van Basten, nor are we talking about one of the strongest centre-forwards in Europe at the moment. He’s a decent player, nothing more.

“I understand the desire of the Rossoneri directors given that there is a shortage of strikers. But it has to be one that wants to come to Italy, one that doesn’t throw a tantrum.”

Sacchi continued: “I don’t understand his choice. If Milan calls you, you pack your bags and get on the first plane to Malpensa. Milan, in the world of football, is a mystical name. I, along with all the players who are brought in, would take a tour of the trophy room so that we understand where we have come.

“Of course, Manchester United is also a legendary team. But on the one hand, there is a club, Milan, which is offering you a permanent job, and on the other hand, there is a club that is doing everything to try and sell you. What would you choose?”

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