Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Topics: Man Utd, Napoli, Rasmus Hojlund
Jack Kenmare
It took Rasmus Hojlund just 14 minutes to open his account for Napoli on Saturday night as the on-loan Manchester United forward made an instant impact against Fiorentina.
After months of speculation, the out-of-favour Hojlund joined Napoli from United on a season-long loan deal with an obligation to buy for £38 million if the Italian club qualify for next season's Champions League.
The 22-year-old striker, who struggled to find the net under Ruben Amorim, has previously been criticised for his lack of composure in front of goal.
Since joining from Atalanta in 2023, Hojlund has managed just 26 goals in 95 appearances for the Reds, who proceeded to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig this summer as a direct replacement.
Advert
But on Saturday night, the Denmark international doubled Napoli's lead with a tidy finish past former United goalkeeper David de Gea.
After scoring on his debut, plenty of United fans mentioned how players tend to flourish upon leaving Old Trafford, with Scott McTominay being a great example following his superb campaign with Napoli in 2024/25.
One fan said: "Rasmus Hojlund is already scoring for Napoli, maybe Manchester United was the problem."
Advert
A second wrote: "I've told United fans over and over— Hojlund was never the problem; most young strikers will struggle in our current system," and a third commented: "Hojlund left Manchester United and all over a sudden starts scoring goals."
A fourth wrote: "Hojlund who didn't play most of pre-season or start the season with us is already starting and scoring for Napoli, but Amorim is taking 600 years to start Sesko."
A fifth added: "Hojlund off the mark for Napoli on his debut, is he going to be another one who flourishes away from the power keg of Old Trafford."
Advert
Speaking after completing a move to Napoli, Hojlund said he has "a lot to prove" under Conte.
“It’s different now, obviously, as I come with more experience and I’m a better football player," he said of his return to Italy.
"I come with a lot of international experience, I played in the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, and in multiple countries. I come with a lot to prove. I want to show myself in the best team in Italy, and Napoli is going to be very, very good."
Hojlund added: "I always work hard, I like to say I want to die on the pitch, to give everything for the team, to score goals, create, and fight for everything.”