‘Manchester United made it clear to me’ – Rasmus Hojlund opens up on Old Trafford exit and reveals key conversation with Napoli boss Antonio Conte

Since moving to Italy, Hojlund has netted nine times in all competitions, and is only one strike away from matching his goal tally for United last season.

“United made it quite clear to me that I wasn’t part of the plans for this year,” Hojlund explained. “Coming into the season and with no European football, I think Napoli saw an opportunity to go and get me.

“As soon as I heard the interest from them, I made it quite obvious for my camp and for the people around that I only wanted to go there. I had a good few talks with the manager and with the sporting director.”

It was not until December 26, 2023 that he scored his first Premier League goal in a 3-2 win over Aston Villa, but Hojlund believes he performed well under pressure when looking back at his debut United season at the age of 20.

“It was a lot of attention and a lot of pressure obviously. I feel like it was hard for me not to take that step. I was a United fan. I think I did well. You could argue I probably needed a year more or whatever, but I felt like it was the right step for me,” said Hojlund.

“I think I did well in my first year especially. I became top scorer in the team and had a good campaign in the UEFA Champions League and won a trophy with the guys. I was happy for my time in Manchester. Still they are all my friends. I am still watching them and wishing them good luck every time they play.”

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After misfiring last season for United, including a 21-game goal drought, he was left out of the matchday squad for their league opener against Arsenal in August.

His initial conversation with Conte was apparently brief, but Hojlund explained it was an easy decision when offered the chance to work under the Italian.

“It was not very long. I think we were both quite clear that it was a good step for me, and I think we suited; it was a good match,” said Hojlund.

“It was quite a short conversation but a very good one. He’s an incredible coach. I’ve only seen him do good things almost everywhere he’s been.

“Obviously that was a big part of it. When he calls, you just have to say yes.”

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One of the reasons that Napoli signed the Dane was as an emergency replacement for Romelu Lukaku, who suffered a hamstring injury in pre-season and was ruled out for four months.

Playing and learning from the Belgian goalscorer was also a big draw for Hojlund.

“Rom is a fantastic guy. I didn’t really know him from before,” he admitted. “I’ve had a couple of chats with him, like on the pitch, and I’ve actually got a Romelu shirt at home. He’s a bit of an idol for me, because I’ve always looked up to him, actually.

“Obviously I want to play, so there’s going to be competition. But I want to learn from him as well, because I feel like he can give me so much, because he’s always been scoring goals, and he’s great at linking the play and these sort of things. I think he has a lot he can give out as well.”

“We’re not in the same sort of path in our careers, I still have a lot to learn, whereas he is a bit older and had a bit more on his back to go out and prove himself,” said Hojlund.

“That’s all part of it. I am young, I have to play football and, for that reason, I also think this was a good move for me.”

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Hojlund will hope to continue his form when Napoli take on Lazio, with the top five teams in the Serie A table separated by just four points.

Depending on results for AC Milan and Internazionale, Napoli could end the round top of the table as they bid to win a third Scudetto in four years.