‘A place he’s appreciated’: Manager delighted ex-Utd star has left Old Trafford, he can thrive in new surroundings

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·2 October 2025

‘A place he’s appreciated’: Manager delighted ex-Utd star has left Old Trafford, he can thrive in new surroundings

Denmark boss Brian Riemer believes Rasmus Hojlund’s Manchester United departure was undoubtedly the best move for his career.

This comes after Hojlund had spent almost the entirety of the summer window angling to stay put at Old Trafford and fight for his place, despite being made aware that the hierarchy was planning to bring in a new centre-forward.

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Eventually, United set their sights on Benjamin Sesko before agreeing a £73.7 million deal to sign him from RB Leipzig, setting in stone that Hojlund’s game time would reduce substantially if he were to remain at the club for the duration of the season.

How Hojlund’s Napoli move came to fruition

Alas, the 22-year-old was made to reconsider his options, and soon began negotiating a switch to AC Milan. Then, when an injury to Romelu Lukaku prompted Napoli to enter the market for a new No.9, they landed on Hojlund.

Keen to represent the reigning Serie A champions and play in the Champions League, the Dane green-lit the transfer before officially joining Antonio Conte’s ranks on loan. A £38 million buy obligation was included in the terms, so long as certain conditions are met, one of which is that Napoli qualify for Europe’s elite competition again come May next year.

Hojlund has since enjoyed a stellar start to life in Naples, scoring on his league debut against Fiorentina last month and adding a further two goals to his tally in a UCL win over Sporting Lisbon last night.

Riemer ‘so happy’ for Hojlund after United struggles

Hojlund did his bit to earn Napoli their first UCL win on Wednesday night. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Such form has already caught the eye of Denmark coach Riemer, who’s expressed his delight at the out-of-favour United star embarking on a new venture where he can potentially thrive.

“I’m so happy that he has found a club where he now starts every time. He has been through a difficult period, there’s no doubt about that,” Riemer told Tipsbladet.

“Now he is in a place where he is appreciated and is settling in. That he also scored on his debut, that’s just great.”

“It would be a huge boost for Denmark if Hojlund did regain his confidence this season, especially if they secure a place in the World Cup next year.”