United React | The decision to let Rasmus Hojlund leave

Rasmus Hojlund has joined Napoli on a season-long loan deal.

An obligation to buy clause has been included in the deal for the forward, who should make a permanent £38m transfer to the Serie A side next summer.

Author | Josh D

Only Dalot remains from this picture from 23/24 season

What are the fans saying?

William: It feels like a mistake. He is still young, full of potential, and could have benefitted from playing alongside experienced Premier League players who would have provided him with consistent service. He might have grown into the United system. I just hope he returns once the loan spell is over.

Jonathan: I’m fairly confident Rasmus will thrive now the pressure of playing for United is off his shoulders. It is sad to see him go, and I wish him well.

Pablo: He should have been kept as cover. He was never given the service needed to show what he could really do. I would have liked to see him given a proper chance without having to compete with the likes of Garnacho.

How did we get here?

In his first season, Højlund’s progress was overshadowed by United’s wider struggles, as the team slumped to eighth in the Premier League before salvaging their season with an FA Cup victory over Manchester City.

The striker endured difficult spells but showed glimpses of promise, particularly in Europe, where he scored five goals in six Champions League appearances.

Beyond that, there was little to celebrate. Højlund managed only 10 goals across 52 matches in all competitions, a modest return given the faith invested in him.

Hojlund better than Sesko?

He believes he is a better striker than £74m summer signing Benjamin Šesko, according to reports.

On deadline day, Napoli confirmed they had secured Højlund on loan for the 2025-26 season, with the deal including a £38m obligation to buy should the club qualify for the Champions League.

Højlund has endured two difficult years at Old Trafford since arriving for £72m but had hoped to remain and fight for his place. In the end, he reluctantly accepted that his United career was finished after being repeatedly omitted from Ruben Amorim’s matchday squads.