Rasmus Hojlund opens up on ending Man United nightmare to join Napoli on loan – and reveals Scott McTominay’s advice ahead of move

Rasmus Hojlund has opened up about his Manchester United exit in the summer and how he is enjoying his new surroundings at Napoli.

The 22-year-old joined Napoli on a season-long loan from Manchester United in September – with the deal including an obligation to buy for £38million next summer if certain clauses are met.

The Denmark international, who joined United for £72m from Atalanta in 2023, was deemed surplus to requirements by his parent club after scoring just four Premier League goals last season.

However, the striker has been reinvigorated in Italy – scoring seven goals in 19 appearances in all competitions so far for Napoli.

Earlier this month too he collected his first piece of silverware with the club when they won the Italian Super Cup.

And reflecting on how the move to Italy came about, Hojlund reveals once Napoli came calling he made his mind up after speaking to manager Antonio Conte and director Giovanni Manna.

The 22-year-old struggled at United last season, scoring just four goals in the Premier League

He is now reinvigorated at Napoli playing alongside ex-United team-mate Scott McTominay too

‘Manchester United had let me know that I wasn’t in their plans for the season, for me and for Napoli it was an opportunity: I wanted to wear the Azzurri shirt straight away, I spoke with Manna and then with [Antonio] Conte, I understood the meaning of this challenge for me,’ he told Corriere dello Sport.

‘The first call with Conte was brief but very clear. We both knew it was the right step for me. When a coach like him calls you, you just have to say yes.

‘For my age, I’ve already played a lot, I don’t think I’m an experienced player yet but, certainly, I already have a lot of games under my belt.’

Hojlund is the second player in the space of a year to swap Manchester for Naples with Scott McTominay forging that path in a £25.7m transfer in August 2024.

McTominay has been a revelation at Napoli – winning Serie A in his first season at the club and being crowned Serie A player of last term as a result.

The midfielder and Hojlund were team-mates for just a season at Old Trafford before the former left, but the latter reached out for advice about Napoli which also helped to make up his mind.

‘We’re at different stages of our careers. I still have a lot to learn, he’s more experienced. I’m young and I need to play, and this was a great opportunity for me,’ Hojlund continued.

‘I like to keep the bar high. If you’re complacent, you risk slacking off. I’m always trying to improve: in goals, in my play, in my personal growth. Even in learning Italian.

‘Adapting to a new culture is crucial, especially here in Italy, where the language is so important. Now I understand practically everything, even if speaking Neapolitan dialect is another thing!’