Rasmus Hojlund's loan move to Napoli has seen him reunite with former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay and the pair appear to be enjoying being teammates again
Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay
Rasmus Hojlund has linked-up with Scott McTominay at Napoli(Image: Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto)
Rasmus Hojlund showed his delight at reuniting with Scott McTominay as the pair linked up on the pitch at Napoli for the first time. The 22-year-old striker sealed a loan switch to the Serie A giants this summer after slipping down the pecking order at Old Trafford following the signings of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.
Although Hojlund initially maintained he wanted to battle for his spot in Ruben Amorim's starting line-up, it quickly became apparent that the fprward would be afforded more opportunities elsewhere. The Denmark international moved to the Italian outfit for the campaign with a commitment for the club to purchase him for £38million next summer should specific conditions be fulfilled.
There, he has reunited with ex-United colleague McTominay, who has been outstanding in Naples since his £26m transfer last summer. It seems McTominay has quickly re-established his rapport with Hojlund, as shown by an image Napoli posted this week from their encounter with Fiorentina on Saturday.
The club's official Instagram page uploaded a picture of the duo embracing, with the caption: "From Manchester with love." Hojlund was swift to express his approval of the post, not only giving liking it but also sharing it to his Instagram stories, demonstrating his joy at being reunited with McTominay on the pitch.
Hojlund appears to be adapting brilliantly in Naples, having got on the scoresheet alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Sam Beukema in the club's 3-1 triumph against Fiorentina. A fresh start could prove to be precisely what he needs, having previously impressed in Serie A with Atalanta before his switch to United two seasons ago.
The striker notched 10 goals and four assists across 34 matches at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia before United swooped for him in a £72m transfer, though he struggled to make an immediate impact in the Premier League. Hojlund managed just four goals from 32 top-flight appearances last season, as United stumbled to a woeful 15th-placed finish.
He'll now aim to recapture his goalscoring touch in Italy, with United pressing ahead without him for the 2025/26 campaign. Discussing the challenge that lies ahead following his loan switch, Hojlund revealed: "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.
Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund scored on his Napoli debut at the weekend
"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."
Despite splashing out more than £200m on a fresh attacking line, Amorim has yet to see much success this season. United currently sit 14th in the Premier League table after four matches, with just a single victory under their belt.
The Red Devils suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in their first match of the season, before securing a 1-1 draw against Fulham away from home. A 3-2 triumph over newly-promoted Burnley followed at Old Trafford, but United were then given a harsh reality check with a 3-0 thrashing at the Etihad Stadium in Sunday's Manchester derby.
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