A former midfielder has claimed that Manchester United have made a mistake with an “extraordinary player” this summer.
Manchester United’s poor start to the season could be attributed to many different things, but it would be wrong not to consider the transfer business.
While the incomings themselves were good, the Matheus Cunha signing has forced Bruno Fernandes into an unfamiliar position that cost United dearly against Manchester City.
With Fernandes playing next to Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte, there is no natural place for Kobbie Mainoo, who has to be considered one of the best talents to come out of Old Trafford since the Class of ’92.
The outgoings from Rúben Amorim’s side were also interesting. Alejandro Garnacho – another promising United academy graduate – was forced out of the door due to a fallout with the manager, and Marcus Rashford left on loan for Barcelona.
The majority of United’s outgoers have left for clubs in a much better position than the Red Devils, who finished in 15th place in the Premier League last season. United’s sales and loans may have cost them.
Hojlund is Napoli’s “bargain” says Trotta
After a difficult two years at Old Trafford, Rasmus Hojlund left United on a loan with an option to buy deal for Napoli. It is understood that the transfer can become permanent if Hojlund plays enough games and the club qualifies for the Champions League.
Speaking to TuttoMercatoWeb, former Napoli midfielder Ivano Trotta praised Hojlund for his brilliant start to life in Naples.
“Hojlund is an extraordinary player,” said Trotta. “He really impressed me against Fiorentina. He has incredible qualities. The €40-50 million [£34-43 million] spent is justified because we are talking about a young talent with great potential.
“In the end, things turned out well because Hojlund has shown himself to be a very strong footballer, and for the price Napoli paid, they got a bargain. In just 14 minutes, he scored a goal as a pure striker. It wasn’t easy to read that vertical pass from Spinazzola and avoid being caught offside. He has the traits of a top player.
“That goal was extremely difficult because the defender was closing in, and he used his body perfectly to hold his position, while keeping composure.”
Trotta names Hojlund’s standout quality
Trotta went on to say: “However, what impressed me the most was his ability to help the team move up the pitch. When Napoli played quick, vertical passes, he shielded the ball, and the defender couldn’t get in front of him. That is decisive.
“He’s a strong player, with great potential and in my opinion, Napoli even underpaid for the great value he brings. Once again, they’ve made a great signing.”
While the pressure appeared too much for Hojlund at Old Trafford, he could excel back in the Serie A, where United bought him from just two years ago.
If Amorim continues to struggle, Hojlund could return to United next season and rejoin the squad alongside Joshua Zirkzee and Benjamin Šeško. However, if the Dane keeps impressing, he may prefer a permanent switch to Italy.
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