Rasmus Hojlund driving Man Utd ‘loopy’ as sacked supervisor branded ‘reckless’
Rasmus Hojlund has scored nine goals on loan at Napoli from Manchester United, with Gianfranco Zola praising the striker and criticising Erik ten Hag
Rasmus Hojlund is enjoying life on loan at Napoli from Man United(Image: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
Rasmus Hojlund is flourishing during his loan spell at Napoli from Manchester United, earning plaudits for his performances in Italy.
Last summer, Hojlund departed United to join the current Serie A champions on a season-long loan, with an option for a permanent move. Napoli can secure Hojlund’s services permanently at the end of the season for £43.5million (€50million), a clause that becomes obligatory if the Italian club secures a Champions League spot.
Since his move to Naples, Hojlund has netted nine goals across all competitions for Antonio Conte’s team and has received high praise from his manager and various pundits, reports the Manchester Evening News. This follows Hojlund’s tally of 10 goals for United in his second season at Old Trafford, after his £72m transfer from Atalanta in 2023. Hojlund was signed by United in the summer of 2023, following Erik ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford.
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After finalising his loan move, he joined former Reds midfielder Scott McTominay at Napoli. McTominay also made the switch from United to Napoli, but his move was permanent, taking place in 2024 when Ten Hag was still at the helm of the club.
Ex-Premier League star Gianfranco Zola has previously offered a clear assessment of Hojlund’s stint at Napoli and what United’s perspective on the deal might be. “Hojlund is driving everyone crazy, even people at Manchester United,” Zola said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport last month.
“After McTominay left because of Ten Hag’s reckless decisions, they let go of a striker like that.” United made several alterations to their attacking line during the summer transfer window, with Hojlund’s departure being one of numerous deals that were finalised.
Following Hojlund’s exit from the club, United proceeded to sign Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to overhaul their striking options in a single window.
What lies ahead for Hojlund remains unclear, with Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna recently outlining the terms of the agreement and explaining why he anticipates the United loanee will complete a permanent switch in the summer.
“We did everything we could to sign him. There were more storied clubs interested, but his will was crucial, and we are proud of it,” Manna told Corriere dello Sport last month.
“We had no doubts. Rasmus is decisive in terms of numbers, but also in how he understands the coach’s input. This makes a difference.
“There’s an option to buy and an obligation to buy if we qualify for the Champions League. The player considers himself a Napoli player, and the same goes for us. This is extremely important.”
When asked whether a permanent transfer for Hojlund was probable, Manna responded: “As of today, I think so.”
