Manager drops hint on “hungry” United loanee’s weekend start as “play this guy” calls grow louder – report

Towards the end of the summer transfer window, Rasmus Hojlund sealed his exit from Old Trafford.

After two seasons at the Theatre of Dreams, the Danish striker unfortunately failed to hit the heights expected of him following his blockbuster move from Atalanta.

He was decent in his maiden campaign at Manchester United; 16 goals in 43 appearances showed promise. But last season, instead of building on that foundation, he ended up struggling and could no longer be trusted to lead Ruben Amorim’s attack.

Napoli switch

Now shipped off to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on a season-long loan, with Napoli holding a £38 million option to make the deal permanent, Hojlund is eyeing a resurgence.

Skipping his day off after national team duty was a clear signal of his hunger to hit the ground running in Naples.

Signed as cover for the injured Romelu Lukaku, expectations are high that Hojlund can lead the line for Gli Azzurri and make a real impact.

Debut loading

According to Gazzetta dello Sport (on Thursday):

“The temptation to start him in Florence is strong. His debut is guaranteed, and Hojlund is eager to experience his first start straight away.”

Conte’s hints

Then on Friday, Antonio Conte, speaking ahead of the game, dropped further hints about whether Hojlund will feature from the off.

Asked about the condition of new arrivals, Hojlund and Eljif Elmas, the Italian tactician, said via Football Italia:

“They’ve also been involved with their national teams.

“So I’ve seen them doing well, players who are ready to play. It’s inevitable that the more time we have to work together, the more improvements there will be, but we need them immediately.”

Hearing Conte say “we need them immediately” and “I’ve seen them doing well” suggests he may well give in to the temptation of starting Hojlund.

Acknowledgement of his involvement in national duty should ease any lingering doubts over match fitness, further boosting his chances for a full debut.

So, ahead of the Manchester derby, Fiorentina versus Napoli could quietly become one to watch.

Watching Scott McTominay and Hojlund tear it up in Italy should be well worth the watch.

Featured image Vincent Carchietta via Getty Images

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