Rasmus Hojlund became disillusioned with the lack of on-pitch support he received from his teammates during the two years he spent playing for Manchester United.
Although Rasmus Hojlund is still on Manchester United’s books, the 23-year-old striker is currently on loan at Serie A champions Napoli.
The Denmark international moved back to Italy on a temporary deal, but has enjoyed playing under Antonio Conte after hitting double figures for goals across all competitions.
Six of Hojlund’s goals have come in Serie A, while a further three were scored in the Champions League and one in the Supercoppa Italiana.
Did Manchester United make a mistake sending Rasmus Hojlund on loan?
An obligation to buy clause was included in the deal for Hojlund, although the agreed £38m transfer fee has a condition that means Napoli must qualify for the Champions League.
Napoli are third and would qualify as things stand, but Juventus and Roma are closely trailing behind them in the table.
Rasmus Hojlund training with Scott McTominay at Napoli
Photo by SSC NAPOLI/SSC NAPOLI via Getty Images
Rasmus Hojlund feared Man Utd players were not passing to him
It cannot be denied that Hojlund underperformed at United; the lack of room for growth or development may cause concern.
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Hojlund joined United as a 20-year-old and the only senior striker he had to compete with for a place in the team was a past-it Anthony Martial, who was often ruled out with injury.
That means there were few players in the squad for a young striker like Hojlund to learn from.
Hojlund was dropped into the team like a deer in headlights. He’d face similar issues in his second season, but many argued that the Dane wasn’t getting sufficient service from his teammates.
Daily Mail journalist Chris Wheeler now claims Hojlund approached coaching staff at United to allege that his teammates at United were purposefully not passing to him.
“There was talk of players not passing him [Hojlund] and that was true,” Wheeler told Stretford Paddock.
“That was true. He went to the coaching staff about it and he said whether that was to do with the fallout with Dalot around the Copenhagen game and that kind of kicked on to Bruno.
“I don’t know, but there was allegations around that but certainly he had concerns that the players were not passing to him.”
Will Benjamin Sesko WIN the “Sesko vs Hojlund” debate?
Is there even a debate to be had or has he already won it?
Benjamin Sesko shots on target vs Burnley compared to Rasmus Hojlund's shots on target in 2024/25 season
Benjamin Sesko shots on target vs Burnley compared to Rasmus Hojlund’s shots on target in 2024/25 season
It’s a big accusation for a player to make, but it’s important to note that Hojlund has not confirmed these concerns.
The story has come directly from a journalist, although one with connections to the club.
At least United sent Hojlund a happy birthday message this week…
Rasmus Hojlund matches 2024/25 tally at Napoli
Throughout the entire 2024/25 season, Hojlund managed just 10 goals from 52 appearances.
Just four of those goals came in 32 Premier League matches, while Hojlund had a better return in the Europa League with six goals in 15 matches.
Hojlund has 10 goals scored in 29 games for Napoli this season.
That means he is on course to surpass his goal tally at United from last term.
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