Every club is desperate to find the next Erling Haaland, a striker who can score goals, win trophies and make them millions – Rangers are no different.
Philippe Clement inherited a forward line full of highly paid, expensive misfits with a squad that still needs a lot of work.
One player that the manager has brought in who has unified the Rangers support is Hamza Igamane, a stark contrast to the £72m Man Utd signing who will be lining up on the other side of the pitch.
Rangers vs Man Utd could be decided by Hojlund or Igamane
Rasmus Hojlund scored 10 goals in 34 games for Atalanta before the Red Devils forked out more than their city rivals paid for Haaland.
Both look like they are descended from Vikings, but that is where the similarities end.
Except in the Europa League.
In six games, Hojlund has five goals and one assist, compared to Igamane’s four goals and one assist in four games – although Rangers did pay £70m less.
Igamane is the player that Man Utd want Hojlund to be; capable of being versatile, physical, holding the ball up, linking play, but also of scoring goals.
He is involved more, and he does more when he gets the ball.
It is on this sort of stage that the Rangers No.29 needs to shine, especially up against a player who it is easy to compare him with.
Are Rangers ready to cash in on Igamane?
Rangers are in no rush to sell Igamane, however, times have changed and if the right offer comes in, he will be on his way:
“It needs to be a win-win situation,” Clement explained about potential interest in Igamane.
“We’re not at the top of the food chain, we know that. But it needs to be the right moment for the club and for the player.
“I don’t think he’s ready to make the next step. It’s important for him to be in a consistent environment and it’s really good here.”
A similar sentiment could be shared about Hojlund, with hindsight, he maybe did make the jump from Atalanta to Man Utd too quickly, but with £72m in their back pocket, the Serie A outfit won’t be bothered.
