Man Utd take major step towards £36m deal after Friday night developments

Napoli’s 4-0 thumping of Cremonese last night further cemented their place in the top four.While the Scudetto looks as though it’ll be transferred into Inter Milan’s hands, Napoli can take at least some solace in knowing they’re on course to reclaim their spot in Europe’s elite competition next term.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYNapoli edge closer to Rasmus Hojlund signingAfter qualifying for the Champions League, they will also then have no choice but to activate Rasmus Hojlund’s £36 million buy clause.Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustThe deal will give Manchester United a welcome financial boost early on in the summer, which can then be reinvested in either a direct replacement for the Dane to play backup to Benjamin Sesko, or it can go towards their midfield overhaul.Last night, Hojlund thought he’d etched his name onto the scoresheet and secured his 11th goal of the term, until his strike was recorded as an own-goal due to the reflection it took off of Filippo Terracciano on its way in. Appearances Goals Assists 40 14 6 Hojlund’s record in all competitions for NapoliFormer United star and Carrington graduate Scott McTominay did notch his ninth goal, though, as he gears up for his first-ever World Cup with Scotland this summer.How Hojlund fared in redHojlund will depart Old Trafford for good after spending only two full seasons plying his trade for the club. Rasmus Hojlund scores his first goal of 2026 to put Napoli a goal up against Chelsea 💫 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/FwST955kSS — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 28, 2026While his maiden campaign was ultimately viewed as a promising one, with him scoring 10 Premier League goals and five in the Champions League, he failed to reach the standard expected of him in his sophomore term.Throughout 2024/2025, the £64m acquisition found the back of the net only four times in 32 league appearances, making it no surprise INEOS felt the need to enter the market as soon as the window opened and spend big on the likes of Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.Yet, the 23-year-old signing permanently for Napoli is undoubtedly a move that suits all parties, and United will wish him well in his endeavours.