Rasmus Hojlund’s response to goal drought says it all as Man Utd exit arranged

Rasmus Hojlund is currently on loan at Napoli from Manchester United and has opened up on his struggles in front of goal in recent weeks despite a bright start to life in Italy

Rasmus Hojlund has made it clear that team success with Napoli is his top priority, even with his ongoing drought in front of goal. The Manchester United forward, currently on loan at the Serie A club, is set to make a permanent move to Italy next summer.

Hojlund, who made 95 appearances for United after joining from Atalanta in August 2023, netted 26 goals during his stint at Old Trafford, but struggled to maintain a consistent scoring record. Ruben Amorim’s side agreed a £38.8 million deal with Antonio Conte’s team, which would see Hojlund make a permanent switch after his loan spell, provided the Italian club secure a Champions League spot.

Last season saw Napoli crowned as Serie A champions, and they’re keen to defend their title this season. They’re currently second in the league table, trailing AC Milan only on goal difference.

Despite a promising start in Naples, Hojlund has managed just four goals in 13 matches across all competitions, while also providing two assists. The 22-year-old bagged a brace against Sporting in the Champions League in October, but hasn’t found the back of the net in the Italian top flight since scoring against Genoa in the same month.

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However, Hojlund has been instrumental in his last two games against Atalanta and AS Roma, setting up goals in both matches and helping his team secure a crucial six points in the title race. Speaking to DAZN after providing the assist for the winner against Roma, Hojlund commented: “Obviously, I’d like to score a lot of goals again and start doing so soon, but it’s important to always contribute to the team, and I’m happy to help.

“I try my best to be useful. I consider myself a – myself a team player: winning is more important than scoring goals.”

While nobody could doubt Hojlund’s commitment during his spell at Old Trafford, his goal drought forced United into action in the summer transfer window. Amorim’s squad bolstered their attacking options with the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo, and the moves appear to be paying dividends with United now in contention for European qualification.

Initially reluctant to depart United and eager to prove himself, Hojlund ultimately made the switch back to Italy, with Antonio Conte playing a crucial role in convincing him.

“Conte is a top coach,” he explained. “I came here because I knew this was an important step for me. Napoli is a great club and a wonderful place to live. It’s exactly what I need right now in my career.”

Conte had previously heaped praise on the promising forward following his goal against Genoa in October, stating: “He’s a 22-year-old who was on the sidelines at Manchester United.

“He has significant room for improvement. He needs to work because he has the potential to become a star, and he’s proving it.”

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