Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund suffered a setback for Napoli, but former midfielder Scott McTominay was on hand to help the forward in the Champions League.
Rasmus Hojlund
Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund in action for Napoli(Image: Getty Images)
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While Manchester United are aiming to get back into European contention for next season, the team have plenty of free midweeks this campaign to get themselves geared up for their domestic challenges.
There is much to keep track of on the continental stage for Ruben Amorim, however, including the development of Rasmus Hojlund during his loan at Napoli.
The striker struggled to convince the United head coach that he could be part of his plans moving forward, with the arrival of Benjamin Sesko reducing the game time available to him.
The Danish international then decided to make a return to Serie A, where he was hoping to recapture the type of form he had shown at Atalanta just a few years before his move to Old Trafford.
Hojlund had certainly managed that early on, finding the back of the net four times across all competitions, with two of those coming in the Champions League, but there have been struggles in recent weeks.
He could've broken that difficult run in midweek when Napoli took on Qarabag in another huge European tie, as the on-loan Man United forward was given a chance to give his side the lead from the penalty spot.
It wasn't to be, however, as the forward's effort was too central, and goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski managed to palm the effort away to keep the scores level.
Rasmus Hojlund of Napoli disappointment during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Genoa CFC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 05, 2025 in Naples, Italy
Rasmus Hojlund has not scored in his last four Napoli appearances(Image: 2025 Image Photo Agency)
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It comes as quite a blow to Hojlund, but fortunately, former Man United star Scott McTominay came to the rescue in some fine fashion.
The midfielder popped up with two huge moments in the game as he scored a quick rebound header to give Napoli the lead just after the hour mark, while his effort just a few minutes later led to an own-goal, with the game ending 2-0 to the Azzurri.
McTominay took to social media after the game with a post that reads: "Champions league nights. The real MVP’s always," showing off a picture with the backroom staff.
It continues an incredible run of form for the Scotland international, who has hit the heights ever since he made the move from Man United back in 2024.
The midfielder played an important role in ensuring Scotland booked their place in the 2026 World Cup, beating Denmark and Hojlund to top spot in their qualifying group in the process.
Now back at Napoli together, their form is in a different place to one another, with McTominay finding the back of the net regularly, while Hojlund is now searching for his first goal in six games.