Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund faces his first real struggle at Napoli.
Rasmus Hojlund ended 2025 feeling rather smug. He helped Napoli win the Italian Super Cup and gloated on Instagram, ‘What a great decision looks like’.
The Dane wanted to stay at Manchester United before being forced out, and Red Devils fans took his comments as an unnecessary shot at the club.
Hojlund did score two goals in Napoli’s final match of December, cueing more praise for his performances.
Napoli have been very happy with Hojlund and want to sign him on a permanent basis. Their commitment to that promise is currently being tested.
Are you surprised or worried by Rasmus Hojlund’s recent lack of goals at Napoli?
Rasmus Hojlund
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Juventus FC v SSC Napoli - Serie A
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Rasmus Hojlund’s barren streak
Rasmus Hojlund has failed to score or assist in any of his seven games for Napoli in 2026.
Hojlund has started all seven, six in Serie A and one in the Champions League against Copenhagen, the club where he began his career.
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He has completed 90 minutes in six of the matches, and 86 in the other. Despite this, the goals have disappeared.
The Times quipped that Hojlund is doing ‘his own version of ‘dry January’, showing how the Dane’s recent lack of impact has not gone unnoticed.
But on January 28, Hojlund is back under the spotlight. His Napoli side are set to face Chelsea in the Champions League.
A goal for Hojlund will turn perceptions around. Suddenly the eerie silence from Italy will become a wall of noise, from Antonio Conte, the Italian media, and whichever pundit decides to take a pot-shot at United.
Whatever happens against Chelsea, Hojlund is very much the same flawed player he was at Manchester United, stuck in the midst of a goal rut we became worryingly familiar with.
Did Manchester United make a mistake sending Rasmus Hojlund on loan?
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United need Hojlund to perform
Rasmus Hojlund does not have a future with Manchester United and the club are planning for his exit.
Napoli have a clause where they can sign him for £38 million if they qualify for the Champions League, at the end of the loan spell.
United do not need a situation where they try to wriggle off the hook, and spend months in the summer trying to negotiate a cheaper deal, or even walking away altogether.
Hojlund needs to end his goal drought and start scoring again, and maintain a degree of consistency between now and the end of the season.
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