When Rasmus Hojlund returned to his club after scoring five goals for Denmark in two consecutive matches against Finland, Giorgio Scalvini advised him not to let it get to his head.

The pair were teammates at Italian club Atalanta, where they were two of the club’s bright young stars. Atalanta is known for developing young players. Hojlund, of course, left for Manchester United last summer in a £72 million transaction.

Scalvini could join him, as the teenage defender has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as an early signing for the new Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe era. He’s one of Europe’s most talked-about prospects, and United is the latest in a long line of continental heavyweights rumored to be interested. Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich have all been mentioned, with a rumored asking price of £44 million.

“I’m perfectly happy at Atalanta,” Scalvini remarked in an April interview when questioned about the speculation. “I’ve never paid attention to much, and it’s never shaken me much, so I don’t see any worrying signs.” Maybe one day I’ll have to worry about it, but that can only happen if I do well in the present.”

Scalvini is a quiet, unflappable character. He is a strong and versatile player who can play on the right side of a four or three man defense as well as in defensive midfield.

“He has the maturity and seriousness of a 30-year-old,” stated Gian Piero Gasperini, his club manager.”A true professional, always one of the first to arrive at training and one of the last to leave the locker room.” He’s got a bright career ahead of him.”

The 20-year-old has made rapid development at Atalanta, appearing in over 60 senior matches and earning seven caps for Italy.

“Scalvini will have a successful career.” “At his age, I have seen few talents like him,” said Roberto Mancini, then-manager of Italy, after giving him his debut in 2022. He is expected to compete in the European Championship this summer, where his stock could grow even more.

A summer move appears to be unavoidable, and United will hope to be near the front of the line as they seek a long-term solution to what has become a difficult situation.

The Reds may not be as appealing as they once were, but the advent of a new era could persuade Scalvani of the benefits of a move to Old Trafford, while United have an agent inside the camp in Hojlund.

“I spend a lot of time with Rasmus because we’re the same age,” Scalvini remarked last season. “When he returned from Denmark after scoring five goals, I told him, ‘Oh! Now, don’t let it get to your head. We’re just two ordinary guys that like playing and having fun on the field.

They may be able to assist bring the good days back to Old Trafford now that they have been reunited.