The Red Devils endured a dismal 2024/25 Premier League campaign, finishing 15th under manager Ruben Amorim, who struggled to build on Erik ten Hag’s previous efforts. With only four teams scoring fewer goals than United, strikers Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee faced heavy criticism for their lackluster performances.

Hojlund, who joined United from Atalanta for a reported 72 million pounds in 2023, showed promise with 10 Premier League goals in his debut season. However, his tally dropped to just four goals in the 2024/25 campaign, prompting United to consider moving him on. The arrival of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko has further pushed the 22-year-old Dane down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on X that Hojlund is keen to secure a move that guarantees long-term stability. “Rasmus Højlund and his camp have made clear to Napoli, RB Leipzig, AC Milan, and all clubs interested that he prefers a loan with an obligation to buy,” Romano posted. “Hojlund always wanted to stay at Man United… but if he has to leave, wants the move to be guaranteed to feel total confidence.”

Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport revealed that McTominay, who recently joined Napoli, has personally reached out to Hojlund to persuade him to make the switch to Serie A. The report noted that Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, is eager to finalize the deal, with McTominay’s call potentially proving “a decisive step” toward securing Hojlund’s approval.

Negotiations are advancing, with United open to a loan deal including a 5-million-euro fee and a 40-million-euro obligation to buy, though discussions over Hojlund’s salary are ongoing.

Italian football expert Roberto Donadoni believes Hojlund could thrive back in Serie A. “He’s a young centre-forward who’s already had a taste of Serie A, and that’s a good thing,” Donadoni told Gazzetta dello Sport. “Hojlund seems to me the classic player who finishes off his teammates’ moves. He’s not the type to create chances himself, but with the right team, he can shine.”

Napoli’s interest intensified after their star striker Romelu Lukaku suffered a thigh injury, sidelining him for over three months, as confirmed by a club statement on August 17.

Romano noted on X that Napoli contacted United to discuss a potential loan for Hojlund, with talks progressing rapidly. “Napoli are set to send a contract proposal to Rasmus Højlund as talks with Manchester United are proceeding.”

With AC Milan’s interest cooling in favor of other targets like Dusan Vlahovic, Napoli have emerged as the frontrunners to reunite Hojlund with McTominay. As the transfer window nears its close, the coming days could prove pivotal for the Danish striker’s future.

Report: Rasmus Hojlund’s Napoli move from Man Utd heats up as Scott McTominay steps in