Just months ago, Hojlund’s career at United had reached a breaking point.The boyhood United fan dreamed of becoming Old Trafford’s next great striker, but the reality was far from the fantasy. Once United secured Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, Hojlund’s fate was sealed, dropped from the squad to face Arsenal and told bluntly that opportunities would be scarce. Despite his desire to stay and fight for his place, the decision had been made. A move was the only option, and when Napoli came calling, United didn’t hesitate to cut ties.
For Napoli, it was a gamble worth taking. Hojlund arrived with bruised confidence but burning motivation, and under the bright lights of Serie A, he’s rediscovered his rhythm. At United, he was often isolated and starved of service, but with Napoli’s attacking tempo and creativity, he’s found a system that suits him perfectly.
Christian Eriksen, who knows all about footballing ups and downs, has been one of Hojlund’s biggest supporters. Speaking ahead of Denmark‘s upcoming fixtures, he praised the young striker’s determination to fight back after being written off in England.
“I’m incredibly happy for ‘Ralles’,” he said. “I know what he went through at United, good and bad, but he’s always been strong mentally. He works incredibly hard and gives it his all, so it’s just great that he’s now scoring goals.”
Denmark manager Brian Riemer couldn’t be happier with his striker’s resurgence. “Having adapted so quickly and having won matches twice in a row leading up to this national team meeting is an adventure that could hardly have been written better for Rasmus,” Riemer told Tipsbladet.
“I am very happy to get a striker into top form. I couldn’t wish for more as the Danish national coach. When you come out on the back of a less successful stay, you hope that things will go well. Even though he has Kevin De Bruyne by his side, it is not that easy to meet those expectations. Or to get that start when you come to Napoli, who are Italian champions with sky-high expectations.”
Napoli’s faith in Hojlund goes beyond a short-term fix. His season-long loan includes an obligation to buy for £38 million ($51m) if the club qualifies for the Champions League, a clause that now looks increasingly likely to be triggered. Should his form continue, Hojlund could follow in the footsteps of another ex-United player who has rebuilt his career in Naples, Scott McTominay, who has become a fan favourite and title winner during his spell in Italy.
