Kevin De Bruyne was full of praise for Rasmus Hojlund after a standout performance in the Champions League helped Napoli to a 2-1 win over Sporting CP.
This season, Manchester United are spending their midweeks at Carrington training ground due to the lack of European football.
It’s a completely different story for some of United’s loanees, such as Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund, after both players secured moves to clubs competing in the Champions League.
Like Rashford, Hojlund has grown in confidence since leaving Old Trafford, which could help United move on both players next summer.
Perhaps the biggest worry for United after missing out on Champions League qualification is the financial burden it can leave on the club. That is why Ineos are considering a mid-season friendly in Saudi Arabia to raise funds.
United fans will also be keeping a close eye on how players out on loan perform in Europe.
Kevin De Bruyne identifies similarities between Rasmus Hojlund and Erling Haaland
Napoli recorded their first Champions League win of the season over Sporting CP on Wednesday night.
Antonio Conte’s side suffered a 2-0 defeat against Man City two weeks ago, but this time around the Serie A champions bounced back, as Hojlund provided both goals in a 2-1 win over Ruben Amorim’s former club.
Former City ace Kevin De Bruyne assisted Hojlund for his second goal and the Belgium veteran compared the Dane to Erling Haaland in his post-match interview.
Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, De Bruyne said: “We played a great game, but Sporting are strong and played a great game with technique and intensity.
“We created chances, but then the penalty was a bit of a stupid mistake. We deserved the win today. I was trying to get into that space for the first goal and was waiting for the right moment to pass it to Rasmus, luckily he did the rest. I think Rasmus is growing a lot and is very similar to Haaland.”
When pressed on the similarities between Hojlund and Haaland, De Bruyne added: “I think they are very similar because they both like to attack the depth. Maybe Hojlund comes to play the ball towards us more, but I think he needs to attack the space a lot because he can score and give us a big hand.”
Rasmus Hojlund hails Kevin De Bruyne
It’s only a matter of time before people start asking why Hojlund is scoring goals for Napoli after struggling to do so at United.
Hojlund scored 26 goals during his first two seasons at United, but he has three to his name this term.
The Denmark international said he was ‘grateful’ to be on the same pitch as De Bruyne after the full-time whistle in Naples.
“Kevin is a legend of the sport,” Hojlund said, as per ESPN. “For me, it’s just every time he has the ball, go find some space. I’m so grateful to play with a player like this.”
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