Rasmus Hojlund and his family hold no animosity towards Manchester United after his loan move to Napoli, according to a close family friend. The 22-year-old striker left Old Trafford in the summer after two seasons following his £72m arrival in 2023.
Christian Mouroux, sporting director at Hojlund's childhood club HUI Football, said the Dane was surprised to be thrust into the role of main striker at United. 'I think he would have been fine as an intern for the main striker position for the first year or two,' Mouroux told MEN Sport. 'He was perhaps a little too young for United.'
Hojlund scored 16 goals in his first season but managed just four Premier League goals in his second campaign under Ruben Amorim. Mouroux stressed the family remained professional throughout difficult times. 'I've never been in dialogue with the family at any point where they felt particularly frustrated,' he said.
Since joining Napoli on loan, Hojlund has scored four goals in six appearances for the Italian champions, plus another four for Denmark. Mouroux attributed the revival to a change in environment. 'When you come from a team that isn't living up to expectations, it takes a toll on a player's confidence,' he said. 'He has come into a different environment, a breath of fresh air.'
Mouroux also noted that Hojlund benefits from having former United teammate Scott McTominay at Napoli. 'I think it was the right decision for him to go, and his performances show that,' he added.
