Rasmus Hojlund has all but confirmed that he has no interest in fighting for his Manchester United future when his season-long loan spell with Napoli comes to an end.
The 22-year-old striker completed a move to Naples towards the end of the summer transfer window in the hope of reviving his stuttering career after two up-and-down seasons at Old Trafford.
A measly return of just four Premier League goals from Hojlund last term convinced United to seek 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 start to life in Italian football. However, his tally of four goals in ten league games has helped Napoli take a narrow lead at the top of Serie A.
The reigning champions extended their unbeaten run to five games in all competitions with victory over Juventus at the weekend – and Hojlund scored both goals in the side’s 2-1 win.
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Having gone eight games without scoring before his double, Hojlund will no doubt be looking 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 score and I try to help the team in different sorts of ways,’ Hojlund told DAZN after rediscovering his goalscoring boots.
‘I know how important it is for the manager that I’m able to hold up the ball, to put the game a little bit higher.
It’s also important for me to work hard on the pressing and keep the team compact.
‘I scored two goals tonight, but it’s all down to my teammates, the manager and his staff.’
Clearly relishing his time at Napoli, Hojlund gave the biggest hint yet that he wishes to continue his stay with the club beyond the end 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 days leading up to the clash.
‘The staff have spoken a lot about my movement in the box,’ the Denmark international added.
‘I’ve been going a lot to the back post but they said there’s space in the front.
‘I attacked the front more and it worked, so I’m happy.
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 is certainly pleasing,’ the Napoli captain told reporters.
‘We produced another really good intense performance with a high tempo, playing open football.
‘These are our characteristics, we’re happy and I am pleased for Rasmus.
‘He scored twice today but he always helps us out every game.
‘In difficult moments, we gave a strong response, that’s the sign of a great team spirit.’
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