Rasmus Hojlund won the Italian Super Cup on Monday night when Napoli beat Bologna 2-0 in Riyadh.
The Manchester United loanee didn’t score in the final, but he got on the scoresheet in their 2-0 win over AC Milan in the previous round.
Antonio Conte stressed he wants to keep Rasmus Hojlund in the team, despite the return of Romelu Lukaku from injury.
Hojlund was on the pitch with former United midfielder Scott McTominay as Napoli won the Italian Super Cup for the third time in their history. Conte was quick to praise the former United teammates after the game.
Did Manchester United make a mistake sending Rasmus Hojlund on loan?
Earlier this week, McTominay spoke about players leaving United and stressed that he disagrees with those who blame the club.
The Napoli duo have shown that it’s achievable to win silverware after leaving Old Trafford.
Rasmus Hojlund wanted to stay at Man Utd in the summer
Even when it was clear that Ruben Amorim was making plans without Hojlund by overlooking the striker at the start of the season, as well as the arrival of Benjamin Sesko, it was widely reported that the Dane wanted to stay at United.
Hojlund had two seasons leading the line in attack for United, scoring just 26 goals before Amorim decided it would be best to move him on.
That was when Hojlund took the opportunity to sign for Napoli on a season-long loan, which includes a clause that may see the Serie A champions sign the striker on a permanent deal at the end of the campaign.
However, Hojlund’s cheeky social media post following Napoli’s Italian Super Cup triumph doesn’t quite add up. It’s not only a hint that he may be happy to remain in Naples, but it incorrectly suggests that the move to Napoli was his decision.
Hojlund shared a picture of him lifting the trophy, writing: “What a great decision looks like.”
So, after a bit of digging, we came across quotes made by Hojlund in July.
The Dane was hoping to fight for a place in the team regardless of the summer-long quest to sign a new striker.
Speaking to TNT Sports in the summer, Hojlund didn’t sound like a player who wanted to leave Old Trafford. He said: “I think my plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens.
“I’m still very young. I think people forget that sometimes. I’m only 22.
“Obviously, not every striker is scoring 100 goals at the age of 22, but I’ve learned a lot, I think you can see in my game. I’m starting to develop and become even better in the basics.
“Now it’s just about for me to sharpen myself, and I’ve done very well in the pre-season so far. Just focusing on continuing that.
“Competition is fine with me. It sharpens me. I’m more than ready. I’m feeling sharp, so I’m welcoming everything that comes. I think it’s good with competition, and it only sharpens the team.”
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It just shows how quickly things can change in football, especially at United.
When is Hojlund in action next?
Hojlund will be looking to add to his seven-goal season tally when Napoli travels to Cremonese on Sunday.
With three assists to his name, Hojlund has become a regular in Conte’s team, making 19 appearances to date.
Napoli will now switch their focus to defending the Serie A title after winning the Italian Super Cup.
They will be distant favourites when they take on Cremonese.
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