Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund has made a successful start to his career on loan at Napoli.
Rasmus Hojlund scored on his Napoli debut against Fiorentina, making an instant impact for his new club.
Hojlund was sent out on loan on transfer deadline day, after Manchester United signed Benjamin Sesko as his replacement.
The Dane has quickly adapted to life in Serie A, winning rave reviews after scoring past David de Gea on his debut.
Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli (l) celebrates with Antonio
Photo by Andrea Staccioli/Insidefoto/LightRocket via Getty Images
Rasmus Hojlund praised Antonio Conte
Rasmus Hojlund was delighted to score on his Napoli debut, and received congratulatory praise from United star Harry Maguire.
Hojlund has credited his new manager Antonio Conte, formerly of Chelsea and Tottenham, for helping him to settle in so quickly.
The Dane says he has struck up a strong early relationship with Conte, and admits this has not always been the case with his previous coaches.
He told TMW: “I’ve only known him for three days, but he’s a very direct coach, with whom I have a good rapport: I’m still young and have a lot to learn.
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“I’ve struggled at times in some groups, but here I’ve felt at ease straight away; it’s been a great start.”
Hojlund is on Conte’s good side, for now
Antonio Conte is renowned as a strong man-manager, as many of his former Inter Milan stars will attest to.
But it is also quite easy for Rasmus Hojlund to talk up his connection with the Italian at this early stage of their journey, while he is in the manager’s good graces.
Hojlund began in Ruben Amorim’s good books after he scored a brace in Manchester United’s 3-2 home victory over Bodo/Glimt last November.
But their relationship tapered off after he failed to reproduce this goalscoring form on a consistent basis.
Hojlund lost Amorim’s trust as the season went along, and at the first possible opportunity, he ditched him in the transfer window.
The striker’s task is to retain the faith of Conte all season, so that Napoli seek to activate their purchase clause.