Rasmus Højlund, having made a summer move from Manchester United to Napoli, couldn’t resist a cheeky jab at his former club while discussing his rejuvenation. The Danish striker joined the Italian champions on a season-long loan with a commitment to make the deal permanent for £38 million. Højlund hit the ground running, netting a debut goal and now boasting four goals in six outings, following the well-trodden path of players excelling after departing Old Trafford.
As he joined his national teammates for Denmark’s World Cup qualifiers against Belarus and Greece, Højlund attributed his resurgence to a simple yet stinging factor: “Not much has happened other than me getting into a good football team,” he remarked, leaving little doubt about his feelings towards United.
Expanding on his return to form, Højlund shared, “I’ve been playing a lot, and things are going well. I feel fit and sharp, having prepared extensively off the pitch during the summer. Perhaps there’s a subconscious difference, but I always remind myself that I’m a capable footballer who can score regardless of circumstances.”
Denmark manager Brian Reimer echoed Højlund’s sentiments, taking a subtle swipe at United as well. According to Reimer, “Being part of a well-functioning team where players support each other makes a massive difference for a striker like Rasmus, needing good service, regardless of the league.”
Moreover, former Premier League forward Djibril Cissé chimed in, citing both Højlund’s and Marcus Rashford’s improved performances post-United as indicative of deeper issues at the club. “There’s a pattern at Manchester United where strikers start scoring once they leave. Both Højlund and Rashford have thrived elsewhere, which suggests something amiss at Old Trafford,” he noted.
The Manchester United conundrum continues, as the club faces scrutiny over its inability to extract the best from attacking talents a concern underscored by the success stories of Højlund and Rashford beyond Old Trafford’s confines.
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