Ex-Man Utd Star Exposes How Squad Really Felt About Rasmus Hojlund's Shocking Departure
Manchester United fullback Patrick Dorgu disclosed that there was considerable "surprise" when news broke that Rasmus Højlund would be moving to Napoli during the summer transfer window.
The Danish forward had clearly expressed his intention to remain at Old Trafford both privately and publicly. "I'm under contract until 2030, so I anticipate continuing with Manchester United," Højlund stated firmly in early June.
This position remained unchanged even following the summer acquisitions of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, who arrived from Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers respectively for a total of £133.5 million ($176.2 million). "My intentions are crystal clear - I want to remain and compete for my position, regardless of circumstances," Højlund maintained resolutely at the end of July.
"I welcome competition. It makes me better. I'm completely prepared."
However, Ruben Amorim never provided the 22-year-old with an opportunity to prove himself. Højlund was excluded from United's match squads and seemingly resigned to his situation after the club secured Slovenian striker Benjamin Šeško for an initial £66.3 million in August.
Dorgu had already witnessed his Danish teammate Christian Eriksen depart as his contract expired in June, but Højlund's exit came as more of a surprise even to one of the player's closest friends. "That's football for you," Dorgu explained to reporters before Denmark's World Cup qualifier against Scotland on Friday.
"You can never predict when your time comes to leave. We anticipated Christian's departure, but Rasmus leaving was perhaps more unexpected. I spoke with him frequently throughout the situation and could tell how things were developing. Hopefully, we'll continue to meet up during international duty."
Following his move to Napoli, the current Serie A titleholders, Højlund admitted: "I arrive with much to demonstrate." The Danish striker will complete this season on loan with Antonio Conte's team before the transfer becomes permanent next summer for a predetermined fee of £38.2 million.