Sturm Graz sporting director Andreas Schicker has recalled selling Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund.

Schicker signed and sold the Dane within six months.

He told TMW: "Rasmus is an exceptional player, a top talent who played really well in Graz. We didn't plan to lose him just after half a season, but from the way he was playing I knew he was built for the best football stages and we couldn't keep him down.

"I think his best quality as a footballer is his mental strength, which was and is truly impressive, especially considering his young age.

"After the match against Salzburg last August, where Rasmus scored two goals, the contacts with Atalanta became very concrete and everything happened really quickly. I thought Atalanta could be a perfect step for him.

"Now we know that he improved in a top league like Serie A, and then moved to one of the best teams in the world like Manchester United."