Rasmus Hojlund is off to a flying start with Napoli after leaving Manchester United on loan this summer, and it's evident that the youngster has gelled with one team-mate in particular
Rasmus Hojlund has instantly gelled with Scott McTominay(Image: Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto)
Rasmus Hojlund demonstrated a close bond with Scott McTominay as the two linked up on the pitch at Napoli for the first time.
The 22-year-old secured a loan move to the Serie A champions this summer having fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford after the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. Despite initially insisting that he hoped to fight for his place in Ruben Amorim's starting line-up, Hojlund accepted that Napoli would provide more opportunities for him.
The forward joined the Italian side for the season with an obligation for the club to buy him for £38million next summer if certain criteria is met. There, he has linked up with former Manchester United team-mate McTominay, who has been a revelation in Naples since joining in a £26m move last summer.
It appears as though McTominay has wasted no time in rekindling his connection with Hojlund, as evidenced by an image Napoli shared this week from their clash with Fiorentina on Saturday. The club's official Instagram account shared a shot of the two embracing on Tuesday, captioned: "From Manchester with love."
Hojlund was quick to show his support for the post, not only liking it on Instagram but also by sharing it to the stories section of his account, showing his delight to be playing alongside McTominay once more.
Hojlund is seemingly settling well in Naples, given he found the scoresheet alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Sam Beukema in the club's 3-1 win over Fiorentina. A change of scenery could be exactly what is needed for the Denmark international, who impressed in Serie A with Atlanta before making the move to United two years ago.
The forward managed 10 goals and four assists from 34 appearances at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia before he was snapped up by United in a £72m deal, but failed to hit the ground running in the Premier League. For context, Hojlund managed just four goals from 32 outings in the English top flight last term, as United limped to a dismal 15th-placed finish.
He will now look to rediscover his attacking prowess on Italian soil, as United move forward without him for 2025/26. Speaking about the challenge ahead after securing his loan move, Hojlund said: "I was very excited, because it’s a team that just won the league.
"I also know how great the fans are, the city, and I’m very happy for this opportunity. It’s different now, obviously, as I come with more experience and I’m a better football player. I come with a lot of international experience.
“I played in the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, and in multiple countries. I come with a lot to prove, I want to show myself in the best team in Italy, and Napoli is going to be very, very good."
Scott McTominay has thrived with Napoli(Image: 2025 Image Photo Agency)
Despite spending more than £200m on a new front line, Amorim is yet to see much in terms of success this term. United are currently 14th in the Premier League standings after four games, with just one win to show for their efforts.
The club suffered a slender 1-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal in their opening day clash, before holding Fulham to a 1-1 draw away from home. A 3-2 win over a newly-promoted Burnley then ensued at Old Trafford, before United were put under the cosh on Sunday in a 3-0 drubbing at the Etihad Stadium in the Manchester derby.
Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
Find more about 'I feel sorry' – Benjamin Sesko receives message as he faces same issue as Rasmus Hojlund
Find more about Antonio Conte makes Rasmus Hojlund prediction as Man United message sent - 'That's true'
Find more about Rasmus Hojlund sends immediate Man United message after brutal Ruben Amorim transfer decision
Find more about Rasmus Hojlund supported by Marcus Rashford and Man United stars after eight-word message
Find more about Italian press react to Rasmus Hojlund debut after Man United exit - 'Immediately evident'
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.