Rasmus Hojlund has all but confirmed that he has little interest in fighting for his Manchester United future when his season-long loan spell with Napoli involves an end.
The 22-year-old striker accomplished a move to Naples towards the tip of the summer transfer window within the hope of reviving his stuttering profession after two up-and-down seasons at Old Trafford.
A measly return of just 4 Premier League goals from Hojlund last term convinced United to hunt alternatives elsewhere, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko brought in to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s misfiring attack.
Hojlund has experienced a slight dip in form after an immensely promising begin to life in Italian football. Nevertheless, his tally of 4 goals in ten league games has helped Napoli take a narrow lead at the highest of Serie A.
The reigning champions prolonged their unbeaten run to 5 games in all competitions with victory over Juventus on the weekend – and Hojlund scored each goals within the side’s 2-1 win.
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Having gone eight games without scoring before his double, Hojlund will little question be trying to pick up where he left off in Napoli’s Champions League clash with Benfica on Wednesday night.
‘Sometimes as a striker you don’t rating and I attempt to help the team in several forms of ways,’ Hojlund told DAZN after rediscovering his goalscoring boots.
‘I understand how necessary it’s for the manager that I’m capable of delay the ball, to place the sport somewhat bit higher.
It’s also necessary for me to work hard on the pressing and keep the team compact.
‘I scored two goals tonight, but it surely’s all all the way down to my teammates, the manager and his staff.’
Clearly relishing his time at Napoli, Hojlund gave the most important hint yet that he wishes to proceed his stick with the club beyond the tip of the 2025/26 campaign.
‘Next season, I’ll give my interviews in Italian,’ he joked.
Hojlund reaped the rewards of attacking the near post at pace for his opening goal against Juventus – something he had been working on with Napoli’s coaching staff in the times leading as much as the clash.
‘The staff have spoken so much about my movement within the box,’ the Denmark international added.
‘I’ve been going so much to the back post but they said there’s space within the front.
‘I attacked the front more and it worked, so I’m glad.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo singled out Hojlund for special praise after Napoli’s win, highlighting the work the forward gets through, even when he’s not scoring.
‘It’s actually pleasing,’ the Napoli captain told reporters.
‘We produced one other really good intense performance with a high tempo, playing open football.
‘These are our characteristics, we’re glad and I’m pleased for Rasmus.
‘He scored twice today but he at all times helps us out every game.
‘In difficult moments, we gave a robust response, that’s the sign of an important cohesion.’
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