Fabio Capello spots Rasmus Hojlund change since Man Utd transfer that speaks volumes

Rasmus Hojlund has been superb for Napoli since his move from Manchester United in the summer transfer window

Fabio Capello thinks Rasmus Hojlund has been desperate to silence his critics. The 22-year-old striker departed Manchester United for Napoli on loan during the summer and has made a flying start to life in Italy.

Hojlund, whom the Reds snapped up from Atalanta for £72m in August 2023, has appeared six times across all competitions this season, netting four goals. Playing a crucial part in Antonio Conte’s squad, he has propelled Gli Azzurri to the summit of Serie A.

The Denmark international struggled to make his mark at Old Trafford, but has rediscovered his goalscoring touch at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, reports the Manchester Evening News. Writing in his column for Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello assessed Hojlund’s displays for Napoli.

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The former England manager commented: “Playing in Naples puts you under more pressure than at Atalanta, but the Dane seems to have matured thanks to his Premier League experience, which helped him realise his true value.

“I’ve also noticed in him a certain desire for redemption after his time at Manchester United,” Capello continued.

The 79-year-old also reckons that Hojlund has eased the burden on Scott McTominay’s shoulders, who claimed Serie A MVP honours in his maiden season following his United exit last year.

The former Reds midfielder spearheaded Napoli’s Scudetto triumph last campaign, bagging 12 goals and laying on six assists across 34 outings.

Capello lavished praise on Conte for extracting another struggling performer from Old Trafford. He went on: “It’s a particularly clever move because in other areas of the pitch, there are quality players who are having less of an impact than last year, such as McTominay.

“Indeed, Conte’s team hasn’t scored a lot so far, but they are still very organised, and Hojlund is a crucial addition because he already knows Italian football and won’t struggle to settle in.”

The Danish striker hasn’t looked back since he left United to join Napoli on loan.

Speaking recently to Radio Kiss Kiss, as quoted by Goal, Hojlund said: “Conte is a top coach.

“I came here because I knew this was an important step for me. Napoli is a great club, and a wonderful place to live. It’s exactly what I need right now in my career.”

Hojlund added: “For me, it’s the same, I don’t care about the formation. I just play football and try to do my job as best I can.”

Conte has been thrilled with Hojlund, describing the Dane as somebody who can become a ‘star’.

Speaking to reporters after Napoli’s 2-1 triumph over Genoa at the weekend, the former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager 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.”

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