Rasmus Hojlund is no longer a Manchester United player. The Danish striker completed a £38m move to Napoli this summer, closing a chapter that never quite worked.
The Deal
The transfer accounts for the majority of United’s summer income, helping fund the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. It also reunites him with former Old Trafford teammate Scott McTominay in Serie A.
Why United Moved On
- Benjamin Sesko established himself as Carrick’s first-choice striker, returning 11 Premier League goals last season
- Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha arrived to reshape the attack around him
- Hojlund was never a natural fit as a target man in the system Carrick now favours
The Old Trafford Verdict
Signed as a young centre-forward asked to lead the line for a club in turmoil, Hojlund arrived into three managerial eras in as many seasons. He showed flashes without ever settling, and United’s predicted XI under Carrick had no obvious place for him.
Why Napoli Makes Sense
Serie A’s slower, more structured build-up may suit a striker whose best work comes running in behind rather than holding play up. A move away from the scrutiny of Old Trafford is unlikely to hurt either. He is not the only striker rebuilding a reputation this season, as our Alexander Isak update shows.
United’s Reshaped Attack
His departure leaves Bruno Fernandes supplying a front line of Sesko, Mbeumo and Cunha, with Marcus Rashford back at the club after loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona. The early results, including a derby defeat, have been mixed.