Manchester United entered the summer window with a clear plan to reshape their attacking options, targeting a new centre-forward to complement Ruben Amorim’s tactical vision.
Pre-season saw a number of high-profile additions, including Benjamin Sesko, signed for €85million, signaling the club’s intent to strengthen up front.
Fans and pundits speculated whether Rasmus Hojlund, a young striker who had supported the club since he was young, would stay to compete for a place or move elsewhere.
Training sessions revealed Hojlund’s determination to prove himself, often impressing staff and teammates with his work rate and finishing in practice.
Despite this, the hierarchy’s decision-making appeared firmly focused on long-term strategy rather than sentiment, with chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox heavily involved in summer recruitment.
Rasmus Hojlund had been adamant about staying at Old Trafford, the club he grew up supporting, and wanted to fight for his place until the very end of the transfer window.
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The Athletic reveal that part of his motivation was a belief that he was better than the newly signed Sesko, and he hoped that showing his quality in training might make Amorim reconsider his departure.
However, the club had already decided that a new striker was essential, partly due to Hojlund’s struggles in front of goal last season, where he scored just ten goals in 52 appearances, only four of which came in the Premier League.
Ultimately, the deal with Napoli was completed on Saturday, with Hojlund flying to Rome for his medical on Sunday, even though he had yet to fully finalise the switch.
The agreement sees the Denmark international join on a season-long loan for €6million, with a €44million buy option that becomes obligatory if Napoli qualify for the Champions League.
At just 22, Hojlund faced the painful reality that his Old Trafford dream had ended, highlighting how United’s top brass, including Berrada, Wilcox, and Amorim, are executing transfers without sentiment.
The departure of Hojlund marks a significant moment for Manchester United, demonstrating the club’s willingness to prioritise strategic squad building and immediate results over personal loyalty or academy ties.
