Ruben Amorim’s decision to sanction Rasmus Hojlund’s exit has left Manchester United players stunned. The Danish striker joined Napoli on loan late on deadline day, with the deal including a mandatory £38m clause.
Hojlund had made it clear he wanted to stay and fight for his place but Amorim’s summer overhaul left him surplus to requirements. United invested over £200m in Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, reducing the 21 year old’s chances of regular football.
Just a year ago, Hojlund had been grouped with Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho as untouchable. He arrived from Atalanta for £72m but managed only 26 goals in 95 appearances, a return that left the club and its new manager unconvinced.
Amorim pushed for the move and Ineos approved it, to the disappointment of several senior players. Patrick Dorgu, Hojlund’s United and Denmark team mate, admitted the news came as a surprise.
Speaking to Ekstra Bladet, Dorgu said: “We knew something like this would happen with Christian Eriksen but it was perhaps a bigger shock that Rasmus had to move on. I spoke to him a lot during the process and sensed which way it was going. Hopefully we will meet again with the national team.”
Dorgu added that Hojlund and Eriksen had been vital in helping him settle after joining in January. “It was a big plus that they were here when I arrived but it was never decisive for my choice. I was focused on the coach’s plans for me.”
Napoli paid a £5.1m loan fee and will be obliged to buy Hojlund if set conditions are met. The move reunites him with Scott McTominay, who has thrived under Antonio Conte in Serie A.
United confirmed the deal with a statement wishing Hojlund well, while Napoli welcomed him as their new signing. For the striker, it offers Champions League football and the chance to compete for the Scudetto. For United, it marks a significant shift in Amorim’s rebuilding of the squad.
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