Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images

Manchester United exit could spark career revival for Rasmus Hojlund at Napoli

Originally posted on HITC | By Dan Coombs | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 6:58 AM ET

Rio Ferdinand has weighed in on one of the players heading out of Manchester United this summer.

There was a time when fans would say that leaving Old Trafford meant you were stepping down, but that’s not really the case anymore.

More and more, it’s become common for players who didn’t quite fit at United to find their feet and thrive elsewhere.

Some of that comes down to the intense pressure that comes with playing for Manchester United – not everyone is built to handle it.

Scott McTominay stands out as a great example. He went from being a squad player at United to winning Serie A with Napoli and even earned a Ballon d’Or nomination.

Rio Ferdinand thinks Napoli move is perfect for Rasmus Hojlund

Rasmus Hojlund has been deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester United following the club’s £66 million signing of Benjamin Sesko.

While AC Milan had shown interest, it appears Napoli are set to win the race, and Rio Ferdinand believes it’s an ideal fit for the forward.

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: “What a club to go to. Rasmus Hojlund must be sitting there licking his lips, the champions of Italy, I’ve got De Bruyne feeding me, Scott McTominay joining in the box and causing havoc, he’s the dangerman who might give me some more space. There’s a few more weapons there.

“Lukaku when he gets back I’ll be jostling for position with him but what a situation for him.”

“It’s a bit like Marcus Rashford, coming out of Man Utd where things aren’t going well, into a situation where there’s positivity in the camp. Barcelona champions of Spain, Napoli champions of Italy, it’s a wonderful move if Rasmus Hojlund can get it.”

The former Manchester United centre-back also suggested that working under Antonio Conte could be transformative for Hojlund.

Manchester United need to be careful with Rasmus Hojlund’s departure

Rasmus Hojlund was only 20 years old when Manchester United signed him, asking him to step straight into the starting striker role. It was a massive responsibility for a young player.

It wasn’t a surprise that the pressure eventually got to him, and now a move away might be exactly what he needs to get his career back on track.

Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images

But since Napoli aren’t willing to commit to a permanent deal right now, Manchester United should make sure they stay in control of the situation.

This could involve holding onto some say over his future, such as bringing him back if he has a strong season and scores more than 20 goals during his loan spell.

As Ferdinand mentioned, Napoli offer an environment where Hojlund could thrive. And that doesn’t have to close the door on a return to Manchester United down the line.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: