Rasmus Hojlund continues to make Manchester United question their decision to let him leave Old Trafford during the summer transfer window, with the Red Devils outcast netting another crucial goal for Napoli in what is quickly becoming a productive loan spell. The Denmark international grabbed a match-winning effort for the reigning Serie A champions in their clash with Genoa.
How Holjund helped Napoli to three precious points
Hojlund pounced in the 75th minute to seal a 2-1 victory at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Napoli had trailed the contest at half-time, but battled back to claim all three points. Hojlund made the most decisive contribution, as he once again found himself in the right place at the right time.
Ex-Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne was also involved in Napoli’s winner against Genoa, as he swung over the cross that caused chaos inside the penalty area. Nicola Leali pulled off a decent save to initially keep Napoli at bay, but was left helpless as Hojlund turned the rebound home from six yards out.
AdvertisementWatch Hojliund net winning goal against GenoaMemorable week of Serie A & Champions League action
Hojlund enjoyed the perfect end to a memorable week, having also bagged a brace for Napoli in their Champions League win over Sporting. He is up to four goals for the season, through six appearances, having managed just 26 for United across the 95 games that he played for them.
Antonio Conte is delighted for the hard-working frontman, who is showing Premier League giants United – who have endured ongoing struggles in the final third of the field – what they are missing. Conte said: “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.”
GettyWhat has changed? Hojlund answers that question
Hojlund’s cause at Old Trafford was hindered by the fact that United failed to create the kind of chances that he feeds off. Slow build-up play meant that he struggled to get involved and was not picked out as often as he could have been. He had, however, showcased his potential in Italy during a previous stint with Atalanta.
Now back in familiar surroundings, Hojlund said of rediscovering a lost spark: “I don’t think I’ve changed much. I’m just doing my job and working day by day to give my best and bring something to the team.”
He went on to tell of helping Napoli to back-to-back wins in continental and domestic competition – with the resilience of Conte’s side shining through: “Winning twice in a week at the Maradona is huge. Maybe today wasn’t our best performance, but taking all three points was the most important thing.”
