Rasmus Hojlund has struggled to find the back of the net in recent weeks for Napoli after his loan move to the Serie A club from Manchester United
Rasmus Hojlund is in the midst of a goal drought for Napoli.
Rasmus Hojlund is in the midst of a goal drought for Napoli.
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Rasmus Hojlund has shown his true colours insisting winning with Napoli is more important than finding the back of the net himself and ending his goal drought. The Manchester United striker is currently on loan with the Serie A side ahead of a permanent move to the Italian club next summer.
The striker, who 95 appearances for United after signing from Atalanta in August 2023, scored 26 goals during his time at Old Trafford, but struggled for consistency. Ruben Amorim's side agreed a £38.8 million deal with Antonio Conte's outfit that would see Hojlund complete a permanent transfer after his loan if the Italian club qualify for the Champions League.
Napoli finished last season as champions of Serie A and are looking to retain their crown this season. They currently sit second in the table behind AC Milan on goal difference.
However, despite a bright start to life in Naples, Hojlund has scored just four goals in 13 games in all competitions, setting up a further two goals for his teammates.
The 22-year-old scored a brace against Sporting in the Champions League back in October, but has not scored in the Italian top flight since a goal against Genoa in the same month.
That being said, Hojlund has registered back-to-back assists in his last two outings against Atalanta and AS Roma, helping his side gain an important six points in the title race.
Speaking to DAZN after setting up the winner against Roma, Hojlund said: "Obviously, I'd like to score a lot of goals again and start doing so soon, but it's important to always contribute to the team, and I'm happy to help.
"I try my best to be useful. I consider myself a - myself a team player: winning is more important than scoring goals."
Rasmus Hojlund
Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund in action for Napoli
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Few could question Hojlund's desire during his time at Old Trafford but his lack of goals meant United had to be proactive in the transfer market this summer. Amorim's side signed Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo in an attempt to improve their fortunes and so far, United are in the race for European football.
Hojlund had been reluctant to leave United and wanted to fight for his place, but did eventually return to Italy, citing Conte as a key figure in the move.
"Conte is a top coach," he said. "I came here because I knew this was an important step for me. Napoli is a great club and a wonderful place to live. It's exactly what I need right now in my career."
Conte had also waxed lyrical about the young striker back in October after scoring against Genoa. He said: "He's a 22-year-old who was on the sidelines at Manchester United.
"He has significant room for improvement, he needs to work because he has the potential to become a star, and he's proving it."