Rasmus Hojlund's United nightmare comes to an end

Rasmus Hojlund's Manchester United career may have come to an end. The Danish striker left the club on September 1, joining Napoli on loan. Napoli has an obligation to buy the striker for $51.2 million should they achieve continental qualification this season.

Hojlund's tenure in Manchester appeared to be over following the summer signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. Despite an encouraging debut season with United, which saw Hojlund score 10 goals, he struggled in his second year, scoring just four times in 32 outings. 

Now, Hojlund returns to Serie A, where he impressed during his maiden season with Atalanta. He will also have the opportunity to work with Antonio Conte, an excellent manager who is capable of taking Hojlund's game to the next level. 

By heading to Naples, Hojlund is joining the current Serie A champions and will be tasked with leading the line while Romelu Lukaku recovers from injury. It will be interesting to see how much playing time Hojlund receives once Lukaku returns to Conte's squad. 

Nevertheless, the 22-year-old could learn a lot from the former Chelsea, Inter, United and Everton striker. Lukaku has been a dominant scorer in Italy for multiple years.

Given the stipulation in Hojluind's loan, it's highly unlikely that he returns to United. His career in Manchester is as good as over. And while Hojlund could emerge as a world-class striker in the coming years, United needed more polish from him and a better record in front of goal. Sesko should provide that. 

Napoli may have secured its striker of the future with a discounted move. Hojlund will need time to reach his potential, but moving back to Italy and away from the pressure cooker of Old Trafford should allow him to get his career back on track.