Manchester United waved goodbye to Rasmus Hojlund on deadline day after agreeing a loan deal with Napoli.
The £66m deal for Benjamin Sesko this summer pushed Rasmus Hojlund down the pecking order at Manchester United and ultimately made him excess to requirements.
After being left out of United’s matchday squads entirely at the start of the season, Hojlund joined Napoli on loan on deadline day.
Hojlund wanted to stay at United and compete for a starting spot with Sesko, but he was pushed out of the club over the summer. Napoli are obliged to buy Hojlund if they qualify for the Champions League this season.
But before the 22-year-old gets started in Naples, he joined up with the Denmark national squad over the break.
Denmark v Portugal - UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg One
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Rasmus Hojlund scores in 3-0 Denmark win vs Greece
Earlier this week, Denmark coach Brian Riemer praised Hojlund’s Napoli move, suggesting it could be a good move for his career.
However, the United loanee was left out of the starting lineup for Denmark’s 3-0 win over Greece in their latest World Cup qualifier.
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Hojlund came off the bench just after the hour mark alongside United teammate Patrick Dorgu.
Just 17 minutes after coming on, Dorgu and Hojlund combined to score Denmark’s third goal of the game. Hojlund etched his name on the scoresheet after being well-positioned for Dorgu’s ball into the box.
Dorgu admitted he was shocked at Hojlund’s exit at United over the summer, but the duo are still combining well on the international stage.
Hojlund was able to make a positive impact on the scoreline during his short cameo, and he received plenty of praise from his national media.
Danish outlet Tipsbladet decided Hojlund didn’t have enough time on the pitch for a grade, but they did add: “Scored his second international goal this year when he sought out the opportunity and was in the right place at the right time. It is important for Riemer and Denmark to get him going.”
DR gave Hojlund a 7 rating and wrote: “Great goal by Hojlund on a riposte from the post and lots of good work. Looks promising for the future once he gets going in Napoli.”
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Finally, Campo pointed out the “lightning fast” speed by Dorgu in the build up to the goal.
“Greece brought too many people forward, and that leaves big holes in the backcourt, which the lightning-fast Patrick Dorgu exploits. The Greek goalkeeper gets far out before Dorgu dribbles him and finishes towards the box. The attempt goes just wide of the post, but falls perfectly to Rasmus Hojlund, who can easily tap the ball in for 0-3.”