“He’s proving it”: Manager praises United loanee in swipe at Ineos’ brutal summer decision

Being at Manchester United and getting the chance to represent them was a dream come true for Rasmus Hojlund.

But sadly for the Dane, that dream ended sooner than expected.

Forced out

Two seasons at the Theatre of Dreams, the 22-year-old failed to become the goalscoring monster United had hoped for. Just 26 goals in 95 appearances saw him unceremoniously forced out.

Hojlund was desperate to stay, prove himself, and earn the trust of Ruben Amorim.

However, with United signing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, the Portuguese tactician decided the ex-Atalanta forward no longer fit into his plans.

With fewer games to play due to United’s absence from European competitions, keeping Hojlund would have been unwise.

Lukaku replacement

AC Milan showed interest, but it was Napoli, reacting swiftly to Romelu Lukaku’s injury, who pushed hardest and secured the United striker’s signature.

A season-long loan deal with a £38 million obligation to buy saw Hojlund head to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium to reignite his career.

Determined to leave his Old Trafford struggles behind, and with big shoes to fill in Lukaku’s absence, the United loanee has risen to the occasion.

Bright start

Four goals in six games for the Italian champions mark an impressive start for a player who struggled in front of goal last season.

His fourth came on Sunday night as Gli Azzurri edged Genoa 2–1 to reclaim top spot in Serie A.

The October international break could not have come at a worse time for Hojlund, with his goal against Genoa coming just days after his Champions League brace against Sporting CP.

Conte impressed

Napoli are beginning to feel vindicated for taking a gamble on the United outcast. Manager Antonio Conte even aimed a subtle dig at United with a bold prediction after Sunday’s win:

“He’s a 22-year-old who was on the sidelines at Manchester United. He has significant room for improvement; he needs to work because he has the potential to become a star, and he’s proving it,” Conte told Gazetta dello Sport.

Hojlund’s resurgence in Serie A is clearly a positive for him, and United fans may quietly celebrate his revival.

Unfortunately, he was unable to find success in the Premier League or fulfil his dream at United.

Conte’s prediction may well come true. Still raw and only just beginning his journey, the Dane looks destined to reach his “huge” potential.

But with United needing results now, they could not afford to wait for him to blossom.

That said, with Sesko beginning to find his feet, scoring in back-to-back games and producing eye-catching performances, United may not end up missing Hojlund, even with admissions that the striker is not expected to return to Old Trafford.

Featured image Francesco Pecoraro via Getty Images

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