Struggling Manchester United star “would gladly” return to former league amid £51m transfer interest

According to a fresh report, one struggling Manchester United star “would gladly” return to his former league amid £51 million transfer interest.

Manchester United are set to prioritise attacking reinforcements this summer as Rúben Amorim’s side struggles for consistency in front of goal.

Bruno Fernandes aside, United’s lack of firepower has been a persistent issue this season, with the front three frequently failing to get on the scoresheet. Their inconsistent form at Old Trafford has only heightened concerns of late.

In the last transfer window, the club loaned out several first-team forwards, including Antony to Real Betis, Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa, and Ethan Wheatley to Walsall for the remainder of the season.

However, fans were left bemused when the club did not sign any replacements, with the only two January incomings being left wing-back Patrick Dorgu and 18-year-old centre-back Ayden Heaven.

United issued Højlund transfer latest

One player who has struggled extensively this season is Rasmus Højlund, who only recently netted his first goal of 2025 during a 3-0 win over Leicester City.

It was his first finish in 22 fixtures as he ended a 99-day drought in front of goal, with questions growing surrounding his suitability as United’s first-choice striker amid reports that United will sign a new frontman this summer.

Amid his struggles, Gazzetta dello Sport have reported that the 22-year-old Dane has become a target of Napoli this summer.

It’s stated that the Serie A side have held “first exploratory talks” surrounding a possible transfer and that United would demand around £51 million for the player in the 2025 summer window.

Napoli boss Antonio Conte reportedly considers Højlund as a viable candidate to compete with Romelu Lukaku up front next season, and the Danish international “would gladly” return to Italy after spending time there with Atalanta prior to his Old Trafford move.

Højlund addresses poor form this season

Following his goal against Leicester City last week, Højlund addressed the fact he knows he has had a poor season, and that he is confident he will grow and improve as a player.

“I think competition is a good thing,” he told reporters on the weekend.

“I know I’m not finished the article or what you say over here, but I just want to keep going and keep becoming even better and I’m sure I’ll get even better and score even more goals if I just focus on that.”

Read More: Manchester United star admits he’s “come to terms” with summer exit, Rúben Amorim won’t sign direct replacement

Højlund also went on to speak about what else he feels he can offer the team aside from goals, with Amorim asking him to be involved in stretching play and occupying defenders for others to capitalise.

“He wants me to stretch the pitch. I think that’s quite obvious,” the striker added. “Get me into the channels and keep the centre-backs occupied.

“That’s what I’m trying to do. I think I got a good amount of speed and that’s what I’m here for.”

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