Man Utd bosses left red-faced as manager makes damning Rasmus Hojlund claim

Denmark boss Brian Riemer has expressed his delight that Rasmus Hojlund is now 'on a well-functioning team' after joining Napoli on loan from Manchester United. The forward endured a difficult two years at Old Trafford and is unlikely to return.

Hojlund completed a deal that included a £5million loan fee, with the Italian giants said to be obligated to make the move permanent for £38m, should they secure Champions League qualification for next season.

Last term, the 22-year-old scored just four goals in 32 Premier League outings and is already halfway to that mark with Napoli in just four Serie A outings. Hojlund has previously found success in Italy, while at Atalanta, where his form earned a £72m move to the Red Devils in 2023.

The forward's international manager believes that Hojlund is capable of success in any division, including in England, however. Instead, he pointed towards the forward having a more accomplished side to benefit from as the reason behind his change in fortune.

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Riemer said, via TipsBladet: "I think Rasmus has the quality for both leagues, without discussion. Does he fit in Italian football? Yes. There was no doubt about that, because he had already proven that. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t fit in English football. On the contrary, I would almost say."

He added: "The fact that he is now on a well-functioning team and has players around him who take pride in doing good for others helps to make the outcome for a striker like Rasmus, who needs to be serviced. It is more important than which league you play in."

And Hojlund continued his promising form in international colours. The Dane scored twice in the opening period of a 6-0 victory over Belarus. The forward even found time to assist Manchester United team-mate Patrick Dorgu in the sixth minute of stoppage time of the first half.

Hojlund appears to be enjoying his new environment too. After netting for Napoli against Sporting CP, the sharpshooter gestured towards the Champions League badge on his sleeve — a tournament he is only playing in due to leaving United.

The loanee is not alone in finding more success away from his parent club. Marcus Rashford is performing well for Barcelona, while the likes of Antony hit the ground running on his loan to Real Betis last term.

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