Rasmus Højlund was somewhat forced out of Manchester United in the summer window. The striker was poor last season and in the summer Ruben Amorim and those above the manager decided it was time to part ways.
The Denmark international wasn’t convinced, though. The 22-year-old grew up a Manchester United fan and didn’t want to let go of his Old Trafford dream. His plan was to stay and fight for his place, but the club thought differently.
Once Benjamin Šeško has been secured from RB Leipzig, Højlund was dropped from the match-day squad to face Arsenal. He was told he wouldn’t be getting many chances and an exit was best.
Napoli stepped in and secured another Manchester United cast-off. So far it’s worked out well for the Italian club, with Højlund scoring four goals in his first six games. That includes the winners against Sporting and Genoa over the past week.
It’s not just good news for Napoli and the player, but Denmark also.
“I know what he went through at United”
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Manager Brian Riemer is quoted by [Tipsbladet](https://www.tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/landshold/jubler-over-hoejlund-et-eventyr) as saying: _“Having adapted so quickly and having won matches twice in a row leading up to this national team meeting is an adventure that could hardly have been written better for Rasmus._
_“I am very happy to get a striker into top form. I couldn’t wish for more as Danish national coach. When you come out on the back of a less successful stay, you hope that things will go well._
_“Even though he has Kevin De Bruyne by his side, it is not that easy to meet those expectations. Or to get that start when you come to Napoli, who are Italian champions with sky-high expectations.”_
Christian Eriksen is also away with Denmark, and suggested he has sympathy over what happened at Manchester United: _“I’m incredibly happy for “Ralles”. I know what he went through at United, good and bad, but he’s always been strong mentally. He works incredibly hard and gives it his all, so it’s just great that he’s now scoring goals.”_