Antoino Conte has accused ex-Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim of showing 'arrogance' in his treatment of Rasmus Hojlund, who's spending the season on loan at Napoli
Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli celebrates after Leonardo Spinazzola scored first goal during the serie Serie A Enilive match between SS Lazio and SSC Napoli at Olimpico on January 4, 2026 in Rome, Italy (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Rasmus Hojlund has impressed at Napoli(Image: Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Napoli boss Antoino Conte has slammed Ruben Amorim for his 'arrogant' decision to cast Rasmus Hojlund aside at Manchester United. Hojlund, 22, was loaned out to Napoli in September after United signed three new forwards in the summer transfer window.
The striker had spent two difficult years at Old Trafford following his £72million move from Italian side Atalanta. Hojlund managed 26 goals in 95 appearances for the Red Devils, but he's been more prolific since he returned to Serie A.
Under Conte, the Denmark international has bagged nine goals in 25 games, as Napoli bid to defend the Scudetto and go far in the Champions League. Speaking before his team's 1-0 win at home to Sassuolo on Saturday, Conte was asked about Hojlund, and he took aim at Amorim, who United sacked earlier this month.
"Some young coaches nowadays are arrogant and don't want to adapt," the ex-Chelsea and Tottenham manager claimed. "They see a young striker struggling and instead of training him, they blame him. They always complain and blame everyone but themselves, because everything is handed to them on a silver platter."
Last month, Conte fired a dig at United regarding both Hojlund and Scott McTominay, who was sold to Napoli by the Red Devils in August 2024. "Everyone used to say Rasmus didn't play in Manchester, neither did McTominay, so why?" Conte asked. "Ask yourselves some questions there. The staff and I had work to do, there is a reason we are here, after all."
Napoli paid United a €6million (£5.1m) loan fee for Hojlund and if the Scudetto holders qualify for next season's Champions League, they'll be obliged to cough up €44m (£38.1m) to sign him permanently. Napoli's sporting director, Giovanni Manna, recently described the deal as a 'formality'.
Napoli, Italy - January 17: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli in action during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Sassuolo Calcio at Diego Maradona on January 17, 2026 in Napoli, Italy. (Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Napoli are expected to make Rasmus Hojlund's move permanent(Image: Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
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"There's an option to buy and an obligation to buy if we qualify for the Champions League," Manna added. "The player considers himself a Napoli player, and the same goes for us. This is extremely important."
Hojlund hasn't been on the scoresheet in 2026 but he'll be hoping to get off the mark when Napoli travel to his native Denmark on Tuesday. Conte's men resume their Champions League campaign against Copenhagen at Parken.
The Danish giants occupy the final play-off spot with just two games of the league phase remaining. Napoli are one place above them but only via goal difference, making it a crucial match for both teams.
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