Fabio Capello has admitted that Rasmus Hojlund has shown a different side to him after the striker left Manchester United and completed a loan move to Napoli.
Rasmus Hojlund has impressed in the 2025-26 Serie A campaign after he made his return to Italy in the summer and became part of Antonio Conte’s Napoli side.
The 22-year-old Danish forward has been leading the frontline at Napoli and Hojlund has netted four times in six appearances across all competitions this season.
Hojlund has become a key player under Napoli manager Antonio Conte after former Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku suffered a pre-season injury in August.
The Denmark international has been afforded the chance to kick-start his playing career and revive his form after his struggles at United over the last two seasons.
What Fabio Capello has now spotted from on-loan Man Utd striker Rasmus Hojlund at Napoli under Antonio Conte
Rasmus Hojlund had voiced his desire to remain at Old Trafford and was part of Manchester United’s pre-season summer tour under Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim.
However, the Napoli summer signing was deemed surplus to requirements at the Premier League club after United signed Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko in August.
Napoli have agreed to take Hojlund out on loan until the end of the season, but the Red Devils have included an obligation to buy if certain conditions are triggered.
Speaking in his newspaper column for La Gazzetta dello Sport, Fabio Capello has now explained that Hojlund has come into his own during his time with Napoli.
“Playing in Naples puts you under more pressure than at Atalanta, but the Dane seems to have matured thanks to his Premier League experience, which helped him realise his true value,” Capello said.
The 79-year-old ex-England boss claimed that Hojlund has shown his “desire for redemption” at the defending Serie A champions after he was offloaded from United.
“I’ve also noticed in him a certain desire for redemption after his time at Manchester United,” Capello added.
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Fabio Capello expects Rasmus Hojlund to help support former Man Utd teammate Scott McTominay at Napoli
Hojlund’s move to Napoli saw the Danish forward reunite with former United teammate Scott McTominay, who moved to the Serie A outfit in 2024.
Scott McTominay was a standout player for Antonio Conte in his debut season at Napoli and the 28-year-old Scottish midfielder impressed with the Italian side.
When discussing Hojlund and McTominay, Capello explained: “It’s a particularly clever move because in other areas of the pitch, there are quality players who are having less of an impact than last year, such as McTominay.
“Indeed, Conte’s team hasn’t scored a lot so far, but they are still very organised, and Hojlund is a crucial addition because he already knows Italian football and won’t struggle to settle in.”
McTominay’s influence at Napoli has waned in the 2025-26 Serie A campaign after the arrival of former Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne in the summer.
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