Rasmus Hojlund was omitted from the squad for Manchester United’s Premier League opener against Arsenal as speculation swirls about his future.

The 22-year-old striker has failed to justify his price tag since joining from Atalanta two years ago for £64million plus a potential £8m in add-ons.

Hojlund has been linked with a return to Serie A this summer and was an unused substitute in United’s final pre-season friendly against Fiorentina last weekend.

New signing Benjamin Sesko was presented before that game and appeared from the bench against the Gunners at Old Trafford, where the Denmark international was conspicuous by his absence.

United head coach Ruben Amorim said after Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal: “It is a fight for places.

“We’ll see what is going to happen in the market. There are different characteristics. Rasmus has the same characteristics of Benjamin Sesko, so we need to choose.”