Kevin De Bruyne Manchester United jibe came after the Belgian midfielder compared Rasmus Hojlund to Erling Haaland in the wake of Napoli’s 2-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon. The United loanee scored both goals — assisted by De Bruyne — in a display that underlined his growing reputation in Italy.
Hojlund’s brace arrives just weeks after being shipped out on loan by United boss Ruben Amorim, who preferred new signing Benjamin Sesko. Napoli paid £5.2m for the season-long deal and hold a £38m option to buy next summer.
De Bruyne’s glowing praise
Speaking to UEFA, De Bruyne emphasised the importance of Hojlund’s instinct in front of goal: “Rasmus has a lot of quality and as a striker when you go forward you need that smell of goals — it’s really important for him and the team. It’s a great night for him and it’s going to help us get more goals with him.”
The Belgian was even more effusive in comments to Corriere dello Sport: “I think Rasmus is growing a lot and is very similar to [Erling] Haaland. They both like to attack the depth. Maybe Hojlund comes to play the ball towards us more, but he needs to attack the space a lot because he can score and give us a big hand.”
For Manchester United fans, the remarks sting. De Bruyne’s assessment highlights what they are missing while their £72m striker thrives elsewhere.
“Playing with an exceptional talent like Kevin De Bruyne is special. I just need to get into space and he’ll get me the ball.” — Rasmus Hojlund, via UEFA
Hojlund’s delight in Napoli colours
The 22-year-old made no secret of his joy after the match, celebrating by kissing both the Napoli badge and the Champions League emblem. “It was the night you dream of,” he said. “I’m happy to play here and I love to score in Europe.”
On social media, he quipped: “Hojlund scores twice in the Champions League after two assists from Kevin De Bruyne was not on my 2025 bingo card.”
From Old Trafford struggles to Naples revival
Signed from Atalanta for £72m in 2023, Hojlund’s first season brought 16 goals across all competitions but only four in the Premier League. By this summer, Amorim had frozen him out entirely, not naming him in a single squad before sanctioning the Napoli move.
Napoli boss Antonio Conte swooped on deadline day after Romelu Lukaku’s injury left his squad short of striking options. Early evidence suggests Hojlund could be the perfect fit.
Hojlund’s Champions League stats so far
| Stat (2025/26 UCL) | Rasmus Hojlund |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 2 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Chances created | 3 |
source: UEFA match data – 2 October 2025
These early returns suggest Hojlund has quickly embraced his new surroundings, combining physical presence with improved movement to devastating effect.
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William noted: “United’s decision to loan Hojlund looks increasingly questionable. He was raw in Manchester but is thriving in a system that plays to his strengths. De Bruyne’s comparison to Haaland isn’t just flattery — it shows how much potential Napoli have tapped into.”
He added: “If Hojlund continues this trajectory, Napoli’s £38m option could prove a bargain, while United may regret allowing him to develop elsewhere rather than under their own roof.”
Key insights
- Rasmus Hojlund scored twice in Napoli’s 2-1 win against Sporting Lisbon.
- Kevin De Bruyne assisted both goals and compared him to Erling Haaland.
- United loaned Hojlund to Napoli after signing Benjamin Sesko.
- Napoli have an option to buy for £38m next summer.
- Hojlund has described playing with De Bruyne as “special.”
What’s next?
Napoli face a busy October with fixtures in Serie A and Europe, where Hojlund will have further chances to cement his status as Conte’s number one striker. For United, every goal scored abroad sharpens the spotlight on Amorim’s decision to loan him out.
De Bruyne’s verdict may have been meant as praise, but for Manchester United, it only deepens the sense of regret.
👉 Should Manchester United have trusted Hojlund instead of loaning him to Napoli?
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