Rasmus Hojlund’s role under Ruben Amorim was immediately depleted following Benjamin Sesko’s summer arrival at Manchester United, and the once-promising 22-year-old chose to join Serie A champions Napoli on loan as a result, with football fans all making the same point following his latest display for the Danish national team.
Amorim and his entourage bid farewell to the ex-Atalanta star, whom they signed for £72 million instead of Premier League-proven Harry Kane in the summer of 2023, this summer after he was left out of United’s matchday squads entirely for the start of the 2025/26 season, which has yielded four points in three games.
Thrown into the deep end upon his arrival, Hojlund immediately took on the goalscoring responsibilities – alongside the club’s do-it-all talisman, captain Bruno Fernandes – and scored 26 goals in 95 appearances during a period that resulted in a 2024 FA Cup final victory and a Europa League final loss.
Hojlund’s Cameo in Denmark 3-0. Greece Has Got Fans Talking.
Copenhagen-born Hojlund, who was deemed surplus to needs at Old Trafford, will attempt to get his career back on track following his temporary move to Naples. He is yet to make his debut for Antonio Conte’s team, which is scheduled to face Fiorentina and Manchester City.
Prior to that, Hojlund had returned to duty for Denmark, this time against Greece. Monaco hotshot Mika Biereth started as the sole centre-forward but was replaced by the Manchester United loanee in the 63rd minute. Keen from the start, the former Copenhagen academy star made the most of his restricted minutes, scoring his country’s third goal in a 3-0 win.
Alert to a Patrick Dorgu shot that ricocheted off the post, Hojlund remained composed and slotted home into the vacated goal, and, following Denmark’s three points, which sees them top Group C, football fans are saying the same thing: Hojlund is ready to explode post-Old Trafford.
On X (previously Twitter), one user wrote: “Bro left Manchester United and started scoring. Not surprising,” as another added: “Every player who leaves Manchester United improves. “The club is cursed.”
Whether true or not, there is a widespread belief that United has been able to properly nurture youthful talent over the years, and as a result, they have burst into life following their exits – ahem, Scott McTominay. “Once you leave Manchester United, your life becomes better,” another commented, while one fan concluded:
“He left Manchester United and now he’s back to scoring goals.”
Rasmus Hojlund’s 24/25 Premier League Statistics
Appearances
23(9)
Minutes
2,013
Goals
4
Assists
0
Shots per game.
1
Key passes each game.
0.5
Dribbles per game.
0.3
Danish newspaper Tipsbladet was quick to compliment the youthful striker. “Scored his second international goal of the year after seizing the opportunity and being in the right position at the right moment. It is critical for Riemer and Denmark to get him started.” Another Danish journal, DR, rated Hojlund 7/10, saying, “Great goal by Hojlund on a riposte from the post and lots of good work.” Looks potential for the future if he settles into Napoli.”
When Denmark manager Brian Riemer spoke about Hojlund’s decision ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against Scotland (goalless draw) and Greece (3-0 win), he praised the youngster for his ‘exciting’ return to the Italian top flight, a league he became accustomed to between 2022 and 2023.
“Rasmus’ decision is interesting since he is returning to something that has previously worked for him. He had his big breakthrough in Serie A, where he also scored several goals. I believe Rasmus’ playing style is ideally suited to Serie A.”
xz
