Manchester United’s on-loan striker Rasmus Hojlund made a sensational start to life in Napoli after scoring just 14 minutes into his debut on Saturday night.
The Dane, who joined the Red Devils for £72million in 2023, fell out of favour with United boss Ruben Amorim ahead of the summer transfer window and was loaned out to Napoli on deadline day after becoming surplus to requirements.
The deal, which includes a £38m obligation to buy at the end of the season, offers Hojlund the chance to silence his critics after a challenging period at Old Trafford which saw him score just 26 goals in 95 appearances across all competitions.
And the 22-year-old striker wasted no time before impressing Napoli’s fans with his finishing, as he netted in the 14th minute of Italian giants’ 3-1 victory over Fiorentina.
Kevin De Bruyne, who left Manchester City on a free transfer this summer, opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the sixth minute before Hojlund doubled the lead.
He took his goal with remarkable confidence, breaking the line before shrugging off the defender and coolly slotting the ball into the back of the net off the inside of the post.
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Rasmus Hojlund scored just 14 minutes into his Napoli debut following his exit from Man United
The Danish striker beamed with his new Napoli team-mates after getting off to the perfect start
Hojlund will hope to prove his doubters wrong under Antonio Conte after a tricky spell at United
The 22-year-old star fell out of favour with Ruben Amorim before securing his exit on loan
The forward then wheeled away in celebration with a beaming smile on his face, delighted to have made his mark in Napoli already.
Hojlund’s exit from Manchester United came after the Red Devils invested significantly in attack by luring Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Rasmus Hojlund for a combined £207m this summer.
The Dane, should he continue the scoring touch he displayed on his debut, could become the latest former Man United star to prosper immediately after leaving Old Trafford.
Hojlund’s new team-mate Scott McTominay has elevated his status in Naples after becoming one of Antonio Conte’s most crucial players at the club, following a superb debut season in which he helped guide the Serie A side to a domestic title.
The Scot left United for £25m back in August 2024, and some reports claim his market value has increased by almost double since joining Napoli.
Antony, who joined Man United for £85m under Erik ten Hag and failed to impress with just 12 goals and five assists from 96 appearances, is another player who benefitted hugely away from the Old Trafford spotlight.
During his short-term loan stint at Real Betis last season, he chalked up 14 goal contributions in just 26 appearances and ended up completing a permanent contract to the Spanish club this summer.
