‘Sensational potential’… The Rasmus Hojlund performances that convinced Napoli to sign Man Utd striker

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Manchester United waved goodbye to Rasmus Hojlund after two years at the club, with the striker signing for Napoli.

Rasmus Hojlund has signed for Napoli on loan, but the chance that he returns to Manchester United is pretty slim.

Napoli have a clause to make his transfer permanent, which they can activate so long as they qualify for next season’s Champions League.

It is a move considered somewhat of a risk for Manchester United considering Hojlund’s potential, he is still only 22.

Napoli liked Rasmus Hojlund’s Champions League performances

Rasmus Hojlund joins the Serie A champions, and most enticingly of all for the young Dane, he has an opportunity to play in the Champions League.

Hojlund played in the Champions League in the 2023/24 season, and put up an impressive individual campaign despite the Red Devils’ embarrassing group stage exit.

Hojlund scored five goals in six Champions League matches, making an impressive individual mark.

Gazzetta dello Sport report that Napoli regard Hojlund as a striker with ‘sensational potential’, pointing to his Champions League campaign with United.

“That’s why Napoli took a chance on him without hesitation, despite a total deal worth €50 million.

“After Lukaku’s injury, a centre-forward capable of making the difference was needed, both in Italy and in Europe.”

The striker scored his goals against Bayern Munich, Galatasaray and Copenhagen, but awful goalkeeping errors meant United made an early exit from the competition.

Hojlund has an immediate opportunity to make an impression in the Champions League next week, when Napoli visit Manchester City.

Manchester United fans will be watching, while the following game he gets to take on Ruben Amorim’s former club Sporting.

An intriguing campaign will also see him reunited with his brother Oscar Hojlund, who will be playing for opponents Eintracht Frankfurt.

Hojlund set to make Napoli debut

Rasmus Hojlund scored for Denmark on Tuesday night, and immediately flew to Italy to train with his new teammates.

There is uncertainty whether he will go straight into the starting line-up against Fiorentina, with Gazzetta reporting he may start on the bench.

Hojlund is reported to be keen to immediately claim a starting spot after missing the start of the season for Manchester United.

The newspaper writes: “Rasmus would like to experience the thrill of his first start right away.

“He left Manchester after being sidelined: he chose Naples to regain his sense of importance, but also for the club’s ambition and the city’s passion. And this new challenge excites him.”