Rasmus Hojlund has revealed what persuaded him to leave Manchester United during the summer transfer window, with the striker explaining that Ruben Amorim made it clear he was not part of the club's plans for the season.
The 22-year-old Denmark international was loaned to Napoli on deadline day, with United receiving a £5.2m loan fee and a potential £38m if the obligation-to-buy clause is triggered. Hojlund has scored six goals in 12 Serie A appearances under Antonio Conte.
Despite initially insisting he would fight for his place at Old Trafford, Hojlund changed his mind. Speaking to Sports Illustrated, he said: "United made it very quite clear that I wasn't part of their plans for this year, coming into the season. And with no European football, I think Napoli saw an opportunity to go and get me. As soon as I heard of their interest, I made it quite obvious to my camp and the people around me that I only wanted to go there."
A brief discussion with Conte sealed the move. Hojlund said: "He's an incredible coach, I've only seen him do good things everywhere he's been. Obviously, that was a big part of it. When he calls, you just have to say yes." The forward has been in excellent form, netting four goals in his last three league matches – equalling his entire Premier League tally from the previous season.
Reflecting on his time at Manchester United, Hojlund expressed no regrets about his high-profile move in 2023, which was potentially worth up to £72m. "There was a lot of attention and a lot of pressure, obviously," he admitted. "I felt it was hard for me not to take that step, I was a United supporter. I think I did well; you could argue that maybe I needed another year or whatever, but I felt it was the right step for me."
Hojlund added: "I'm here now with Napoli and I'm so happy to be here. But I was happy with my time in Manchester. They are all still my friends, I'm still watching them and wish them good luck every time they play." Napoli currently sit third in Serie A, two points behind leaders Inter Milan, after Hojlund scored twice in their 2-0 win over Cremonese.
