Rasmus Hojlund has used social media to take a thinly-veiled swipe at Manchester United, just months after being deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford. The Danish striker celebrated winning his first trophy with Napoli, where he is currently on loan.
A Fresh Start in Naples
The 22-year-old forward joined Napoli in September 2024 on a season-long loan from Manchester United. The deal includes an obligation to buy for £38 million next summer, provided certain performance-related clauses are met. Hojlund arrived at United in 2023 from Atalanta for a hefty £72 million fee, but struggled to justify that price tag, scoring just four Premier League goals last season.
His fortunes have changed dramatically in Italy. Hojlund has already found the net seven times in 19 appearances for the Serie A giants. He was on the scoresheet again last Thursday, netting in Napoli's 2-0 Coppa Italia semi-final victory over AC Milan.
Super Cup Glory and a Social Media Jab
On Monday, Hojlund clinched his first piece of silverware with Napoli as they defeated Bologna 2-0 to win the Italian Super Cup. Following the triumph, the striker took to social media to share a photo of himself holding the trophy, captioning it: 'What a great decision looks like.' The post was widely interpreted as a pointed dig at Manchester United's choice to let him leave.
While Hojlund played his part, it was his 22-year-old teammate David Neres who stole the show in the final. The Brazilian winger scored both goals, securing Napoli's third Super Cup title after previous wins in 1990 and 2014.
Neres the Hero in Riyadh Final
Neres broke the deadlock in the 39th minute with a stunning left-footed strike from 25 yards that flew into the top corner, leaving Bologna goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia with no chance. He doubled Napoli's lead and sealed the victory around the hour mark, capitalising on a poor pass from Ravaglia, rounding defender John Lucumi, and slotting home past the stranded keeper.
This brace marked the second time Neres has scored twice for Napoli since his £25 million move from Benfica in August 2024. The former Ajax and Sao Paulo forward is quickly becoming a key figure in Naples, offering a different dimension to the attack alongside the resurgent Hojlund.
For Hojlund, the trophy and his improved form represent a significant personal redemption. His social media post underscores a player who feels vindicated after a difficult period in England, now thriving in a new environment and seemingly questioning the wisdom of his former club's decision.
