Patrick Dorgu has admitted he was taken aback by Manchester United’s decision to part ways with his compatriot Rasmus Hojlund this summer.
On deadline day, United confirmed that the striker had completed a season-long loan move to Napoli, who will have to make the deal permanent for around £38 million if they qualify for the Champions League come the end of the term.
Rasmus Hojlund: What happened this summer?
Hojlund himself was essentially cornered into U-turning on his initial stance of not wanting to leave United under any circumstances after they acquired Benjamin Sesko on a long-term contract.
During pre-season, the forward expressed his desire to stay put at Old Trafford and fight for his place irrespective of whether a new frontman was brought in. Then, when the situation developed and Sesko signed, Ruben Amorim informed Hojlund that while he wouldn’t be forced out, his game time would be reduced considerably in 2025/2026.
Alas, the 22-year-old began begrudgingly engaging in talks with his suitors, with a move to AC Milan deemed the most likely option at one stage of the summer. That was until Napoli entered the mix in the aftermath of Romelu Lukaku’s injury setback, and Hojlund favoured the Serie A champions over their struggling rivals.
Dorgu reacts to unexpected Hojlund departure
Having swiftly reunited with Hojlund on international duty with Denmark, Dorgu expressed how he was surprised to see the No.9 shipped off so quickly.
“That’s how it is in football… We knew it would happen to Christian [Eriksen], but it was perhaps a bigger shock that Rasmus had to move on,” Dorgu told Ekstra Bladet.
“I talked to him (Hojlund) a lot during the process and could sense which way it was going. Hopefully, we will now see each other every time on the national team.”
Eriksen, another valued member of Brian Riemer’s squad, left United upon the expiration of his contract in June. He has yet to join a new club.
