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Hojlund had expressed a strong desire to remain at Old Trafford and compete for his spot, but the club’s £200 million investment in forwards Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo drastically reduced his chances.

Although his record of 26 goals in 95 appearances fell short of expectations tied to his £72 million transfer fee, many within the squad believed he would still be part of the team.

Ultimately, Amorim made the final call to offload him, and United’s ownership group, Ineos, backed the decision without resistance.

And Patrick Dorgu, his team-mate for United and Denmark, said via Ekstra Bladet: ‘That’s how it is in football. You never know when it’s your turn to move on.

‘We knew that it would happen to Christian [Eriksen], but it was perhaps a bigger shock that Rasmus had to move on. I talked to him a lot during the process and could sense which way it was going.

‘Hopefully, we will now see each other every time on the national team.”

‘I have been very happy to be teammates with Christian and Rasmus. It was a big plus for me that they were at the club when I joined. That way it was easier to become part of the squad [as they are Danish too],’ he added.

‘But it was in no way decisive for my choice of Manchester United. I was thinking much more about the coach’s plans and ideas with me when I had to make the decision.’

Napoli reportedly agreed to a loan arrangement worth approximately £5.1 million (€6 million), which includes a compulsory buyout clause valued at £38 million (€44 million), triggered under specific conditions.

For Dorgu, a recent winter signing, Hojlund’s departure serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a player’s reputation can shift in top-level football.

Still, Hojlund now has the chance to embrace a new chapter playing in the Champions League, chasing the Serie A crown, and reuniting with former Manchester United teammate Scott McTominay, who’s been thriving since his move to Naples.

United said in a statement: ‘Rasmus has agreed a move to the Serie A champions, under the management of Antonio Conte.

‘Napoli will be the fifth club Hojlund has represented during his career, following earlier spells with Copenhagen and Sturm Graz. ‘We’d like to wish Rasmus good luck for the campaign ahead.’

Napoli’s announcement read: ‘SSC Napoli announces that it has acquired the sporting services of footballer Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United Football Club on loan with an obligation to buy.

‘Born on February 4, 2003, the Danish footballer grew up in the youth teams of Brondby, Holbaek and FC Copenhagen.

‘After a year with Sturm Graz, Rasmus joined Atalanta in August 2022, playing 34 games and scoring 10 goals. The following season, he moved to Manchester United, scoring 26 goals in 95 appearances. He scored eight goals in 26 appearances for the Danish national team. Welcome, Rasmus!’