Rasmus Hojlund took an unsubtle swipe at former club Manchester United after helping Napoli win the Super Cup on Sunday in Saudi Arabia.
A brace from David Neres saw Napoli claim a 2-0 win over Bologna to win the tournament for the first time since 2014.l
The trophy marks Hojlund’s first since his move from United to Naples on loan last summer following two frustrating seasons at Old Trafford.
The Dane arrived for a hefty £72million fee in 2023, but a measly return of just four Premier League goals from Hojlund last term convinced United to seek alternatives elsewhere.
Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko were brought in to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s misfiring attack, with Hojlund eventually joining Antonio Conte’s side on loan for the season.
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And that initial loan is likely to be made permanent for a £38m fee if certain conditions are met, including Napoli securing qualification for the Champions League.
Napoli currently sit third in the Serie A table, two points behind leaders Inter Milan, while Hojlund has scored seven goals in 19 games in all competitions, including a goal in the 2-0 Super Cup semi-final win over AC Milan.
Clearly still enjoying life at his new club, Hojlund even took the time to aim a dig at his parent club on social media in a post celebrating Napoli’s Super Cup triumph.
Posting a picture on Instagram of him holding the trophy, Hojlund wrote: ‘What a great decision looks like.’
Several of Hojlund’s former teammates at United, including Lisandro Martinez, Chido Obi, Patrick Dorgu and Andre Onana, liked the post.
Speaking after his side’s victory over Bologna, Conte once again paid tribute to Hojlund and fellow former United star Scott McTominay for how the pair have shone since their respective moves to Italy.
‘Hojlund and McTominay were not playing at Manchester United, so there must be a reason given the work done by me and my staff,’ he said.
‘I believe our job is to expand a player’s knowledge and make him stronger.
‘I invest a lot in that, and I think every player I have worked with has always come out improved technically, tactically, and mentally.
‘We lacked clinical finishing against a strong team, but it remains a great performance, and I can only be happy and proud.’
Speaking earlier in the month, Hojlund offered the clearest indication yet that he intends to return to Napoli next season.
‘Next season, I’ll give my interviews in Italian,’ the striker told DAZN when asked what the long-term future might hold for him at Napoli.
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