Rasmus Hojlund Breaks His Silence: The Real Story Behind His Shocking Man Utd Departure

Standing in the depths of Chicago's Soldier Field stadium, soaked in perspiration following a two-goal performance in an impressive preseason triumph against Bournemouth, Rasmus Højlund confidently told reporters in the mixed zone that he would remain at Manchester United that summer "no matter what."

Thirty-two days afterward, he was presented as Napoli's newest signing.

Considerable speculation has surrounded the developments during that intervening period, with rumors of disputes and reprisals circulating widely. Højlund has provided some insight amid the confusion of contradictory accounts.

"United made it crystal clear to me that I wasn't included in their plans for the upcoming season, especially with no European competition and similar factors," he explains to Sports Illustrated, four months into a loan arrangement at Napoli that includes a conditional purchase obligation if the current Serie A champions secure Champions League qualification next season.

"I'm still young, I need to be playing football," Højlund states, "and for that reason, I believe this represented an excellent chance for me."

During that month of Manchester uncertainty, Benjamin Šeško was acquired from RB Leipzig in a transfer potentially worth £73.7 million ($99.5 million), exceeding the £72 million United invested in Højlund just two seasons prior. The committed Denmark striker was conspicuously omitted from Ruben Amorim's lineup for the opening three Premier League matches and watched from a distance as Šeško and teammates suffered an embarrassing Carabao Cup second-round elimination to fourth-division Grimsby Town.

Confronted with the undesirable possibility of becoming another United outcast marginalized by Amorim, Højlund enthusiastically embraced Italy's invitation. "Napoli recognized a chance to acquire me and once I learned of their interest, I made it crystal clear to my representatives and those around me that I exclusively wanted to join them."

When Conte Calls, You Just Have to Say Yes

Rumors of Napoli's pursuit hadn't circulated long before Højlund was photographed beaming in the iconic blue jersey. The club's sporting director Giovanni Manna spearheaded negotiations while conversations also occurred with his former Manchester United colleague Scott McTominay, but a discussion with manager Antonio Conte sealed Højlund's choice.

"It was quite a brief conversation," he recalls. "But an extremely positive one."

Given Conte's intimidating reputation, perhaps a short exchange was preferable. This is, after all, the same coach who prompted Andrea Pirlo's memorable description: "His words assault you. They crash through the doors of your mind, often quite violently, and settle deep within you."

Højlund emerged from the conversation largely unscathed and completely content. "I believe we both understood clearly that it was a positive move for me," he says. "I think we complement each other well, it was an ideal fit." That assessment is already abundantly clear.

In fewer than 1,000 minutes of Serie A action, Højlund has already exceeded the Premier League goal total he achieved during his final Manchester season. The team's top scorer found the net within 15 minutes of his debut and has been in exceptional form since a tactical shift positioned him as the spearhead of a 3-4-3 formation—ironically, similar to the system causing numerous problems for Amorim at United. Conte's influence is unmistakable.

"I believe he's an extraordinary manager," Højlund says of the striker specialist. "I've witnessed him achieve success virtually everywhere he's coached, so naturally that was a significant factor. When he contacts you, you simply must accept."

Allure of Childhood Idol

All discussion regarding Højlund's Naples adventure predictably focused on his reunion with McTominay. However, for the Dane, another former Manchester United player provided an even more significant connection.

"Rom is an amazing person," Højlund says, his face lighting up with genuine fondness when Romelu Lukaku's name inevitably comes up.

"I didn't really know him previously," he acknowledges, "I've had several conversations with him, particularly on the field, and I actually own a Romelu jersey at home. He's somewhat of a hero to me, because I've always admired him, truly."

Along with his well-documented admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, Lukaku represents one of the key influences in Højlund's personal evolution as a striker. Both left-footed players possess exceptional combinations of elegance and intensity, equally capable of holding up play and racing into vast expanses of space.

Lukaku has spent the campaign's first five months rehabilitating from a severe hamstring injury—partially explaining Conte's motivation to secure Højlund's services—and is only now regaining fitness. Eventually, both will vie for the same position—"naturally, I want to play," Højlund says with a chuckle—but currently, he's perfectly positioned to absorb knowledge from a player who has experienced every aspect of a football career.

"I want to learn from him as well because I sense he can teach me tremendously," Højlund says of the 32-year-old Belgian legend, "because he's consistently scored goals, and he excels at connecting play and similar aspects. I believe he has much wisdom to share."

Højlund still possesses considerable potential himself, which Napoli, rather than Manchester United, will thankfully benefit from.