Hojlund 'driving MU crazy' as former manager slammed for 'reckless' decision

Rasmus Hojlund has scored nine goals for Napoli this season during his loan spell from Manchester United, having shone in Italy alongside Scott McTominay

Rasmus Hojlund is flourishing during his loan spell at Napoli from Manchester United, and has already earned acclaim for his displays in Italy.

Hojlund leave United last summer to link up with the defending Serie A champions on a season-long loan deal, which also contained an option to make the transfer permanent.

Napoli possess the option of securing Hojlund at the season's end for £43.5million (€50million), which would transform into an obligation to buy should the Italian outfit qualify for the Champions League.

Since arriving in Naples, Hojlund has netted nine goals across all competitions for Antonio Conte's outfit and has received widespread praise for his performances from his manager, alongside numerous pundits.

This follows Hojlund managing 10 goals for United during his second campaign at Old Trafford after his £72million move from Atalanta back in 2023.

United signed Hojlund in the summer of 2023 following Erik ten Hag's first season at Old Trafford, and subsequently reunited with former Reds midfielder Scott McTominay at Napoli after completing his loan switch.

McTominay also left United to join Napoli, but did so on a permanent deal back in 2024 when Ten Hag was the club's manager at that time.

Former Premier League star Gianfranco Zola has previously delivered a clear assessment regarding Hojlund's stint at Napoli and what United's perspective on the arrangement might be.

"Hojlund is driving everyone crazy, even people at Manchester United," Zola told Gazzetta dello Sport last month.

Zola also slammed United's former boss, adding: "After McTominay left because of [Erik] ten Hag's reckless decisions, they let go of a striker like that."

United made several changes to their attacking options during the summer transfer window, with Hojlund's departure being amongst several deals that were finalised.

Following Hojlund's exit from the club, United proceeded to bring in Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to refresh their forward options in a single window.

What lies ahead for Hojlund remains uncertain, with Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna recently outlining the transfer details and why he anticipates the United loanee will sign on a permanent basis in the summer.

"We did everything we could to sign him. There were more storied clubs interested, but his will was crucial, and we are proud of it," Manna stated in Corriere dello Sport in December.

"We had no doubts. Rasmus is decisive in terms of numbers, but also in how he understands the coach's input. This makes a difference.

"There's an option to buy and an obligation to buy if we qualify for the Champions League. The player considers himself a Napoli player, and the same goes for us. This is extremely important."

Manna was also questioned about whether a permanent transfer for Hojlund was probable, responding: "As of today, I think so."