A national team boss has made a subtle dig towards Manchester United following on from a player’s Man of the Match display this week
On Wednesday evening, two of Manchester United’s loanees made their mark once again in the Champions League.
Despite Barcelona’s 2-1 home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Marcus Rashford continued his fine form for the Catalan side, notching his sixth goal contribution in as many matches with an assist for Ferran Torres.
Meanwhile in Italy, Rasmus Højlund played a decisive role in Napoli’s 2-1 victory over Ruben Amorim’s former club, Sporting CP.
The Danish forward opened the scoring in the first half, before Sporting equalised from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute. With just ten minutes remaining, Højlund rose to head home the winner and secure Napoli’s victory.
Subtle United dig made by national team boss
Højlund will not be the only one who is delighted that he has had a positive start to life in Naples, but Denmark boss Brian Riemer is also pleased with the forward.
Speaking to the media this week, Riemer sent a subtle dig at United by claiming that Højlund is ‘appreciated’ at Napoli and starting every game.
“I’m so happy that he has found a club where he now starts every time. He has been through a difficult period, there’s no doubt about that,” Riemer told Tipsbladet.
“Now he is in a place where he is appreciated and is settling in. That he also scored on his debut, that’s just great.
“It would be a huge boost for Denmark if Hojlund did regain his confidence this season, especially if they secure a place in the World Cup next year.”
United do appreciate players
United can be criticised for many things, especially providing a poor environment for young talents to thrive, but there is no question that players are appreciated.
Højlund had a terrible start to life at Old Trafford and did not score a Premier League goal until late December, but he was heavily backed by United and the fans.
That trust lasted all the way until the end of last season but you cannot expect that backing to continue when the performance levels were like Højlund provided.
Højlund will be appreciated in Naples because he can score goals in Italy. If he couldn’t, their fans would grow frustrated with him too.
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