Hojlund’s stint at United lasted just two years as the former Atalanta forward failed to impress the Old Trafford crowd after completing a big-money move to the Premier League giants in 2023. He ended up scoring just 10 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions last season, which prompted head coach Amorim to rebuild the team’s attack in the transfer window. The arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo this summer meant that time was up for the Denmark international and he was eventually shipped off to Napoli on loan with an obligation to buy. Back in Serie A, the 22-year-old is slowly regaining his old form and has already scored four goals in six appearances across all competitions.
In his latest column for Gazzetta dello Sport Capello wrote: “Playing in Naples puts you under more pressure than at Atalanta, but the Dane seems to have matured thanks to his Premier League experience, which helped him realise his true value. I’ve also noticed in him a certain desire for redemption after his time at Manchester United.”
Another former United star Scott McTominay created quite a stir in the Serie A after joining Napoli permanently in 2024. In his maiden season, McTominay won the Serie A Player of the Year award, but in the 2025-26 campaign, the midfielder has yet to attain his best form.
Capello added: “It’s a particularly clever move because in other areas of the pitch, there are quality players who are having less of an impact than last year, such as McTominay. Indeed, Conte’s team hasn’t scored a lot so far, but they are still very organised, and Hojlund is a crucial addition because he already knows Italian football and won’t struggle to settle in.”
After bringing in quality players like Hojlund, Lorenzo Lucca and Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne, Conte’s men have kicked off the new season on a fine note as they have won five out of the six league games they have played and are currently placed at the top of the table. They will next face Torino in Serie A after the international break on October 18.
