Højlund's transfer to Milan has collapsed, and Ten Hag has put Manchester United in a tough spot! Now, their only hope might be Napoli.

The deal to send Manchester United striker Højlund to AC Milan is close to breaking down, mainly due to a move by former manager Ten Hag at Leverkusen. As a result, Milan could switch targets to Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, regarded as a better value for money.

Højlund’s situation at Manchester United is increasingly uncomfortable. After Ruben Amorim signed €85 million new arrival Sesko, Højlund has been pushed further to the sidelines. The 22-year-old Danish international was left out of United’s squad for the Premier League opener, even though Sesko, his peer, has yet to settle into the team. As the Slovenian striker adapts, Højlund’s chances may diminish even more. Being omitted from the squad against Arsenal sent a clear message from Amorim: if Højlund insists on staying at United this season, he will struggle for playing time.

Milan had been in talks with both United and Højlund for some time, but those negotiations now seem close to collapsing. Milan is unwilling to commit to a mandatory purchase next summer and only wants an option to buy in the loan deal. In contrast, both United and Højlund insist on a guaranteed transfer next summer.

According to the BBC, Milan has now offered Boniface a similar deal: a loan with an option, not an obligation, to buy the 24-year-old Nigerian striker next summer. Unlike United, Ten Hag has agreed to these terms. In last Friday’s DFB-Pokal first round, Ten Hag put Boniface on the bench for Leverkusen.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed: "AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen are preparing the official documents for the transfer, having reached a verbal agreement for Boniface. It’s a loan with a €30 million purchase option, not an obligation. Milan is now negotiating personal terms directly with Boniface’s agent, which is a key step in finalizing the move."

Boniface scored 14 goals and provided 9 assists in the 2023/24 season, helping Leverkusen win the Bundesliga title unbeaten. He is less expensive than Højlund, and there’s no compulsory buy clause. United, on the other hand, is demanding a €40 million buyout for Højlund from Milan.

Reportedly, before reaching an agreement with Boniface, Milan met again with Højlund’s agent. The Serie A side wanted to finalize the deal this week, but found that United and Højlund’s stance hadn’t changed, making it unlikely a deal would be struck before the new Serie A season, so they shifted their focus.

Romano explained: "This morning, Milan spoke once more with Højlund’s agent, but then they sealed an agreement with Leverkusen for Boniface. Højlund has told all interested clubs—including RB Leipzig, Milan, and Napoli—that he wants a loan with an obligation to buy. He does not want to return to United in a year and face the same situation as Sancho and others."

Even though a move to San Siro now seems unlikely, Højlund could still return to Serie A. Defending champions Napoli are also interested in taking him on loan, where he could reunite with former United teammate McTominay. Conte is seeking a new striker, as fellow ex-Red Devil Lukaku is injured and could be sidelined for up to four months.

Romano stated: "Milan have shifted their focus to Boniface, while Napoli have once again contacted United about Højlund. They had already reached out a few days ago and have now renewed their inquiry. Today, Napoli held fresh talks with United regarding Højlund, and the player’s camp is also negotiating with Napoli. Højlund is eager for a transfer and wants assurances he can stay at his new club beyond just a simple loan. Negotiations are ongoing."

According to Sky Italia, Højlund has accepted that he must let go of his ‘Red Devil dream’ and leave United, but he will push for a permanent transfer and a starting role at his new club.

Amorim will not stand in his way if he leaves permanently. After the match against Arsenal, the United manager said: "Competition for places is a battle, and we’ll see what happens in the transfer market. Rasmus (Højlund) and Benjamin (Sesko) have similar profiles, so we have to make choices because the team needs different qualities."