Manchester United news continues to dominate headlines after Ruben Amorim sanctioned a surprise loan move for Rasmus Højlund to Napoli. The 22-year-old had endured a frustrating season at Old Trafford, but few expected him to be pushed out following the arrival of Benjamin Šeško.
Now, his Denmark teammate Patrick Dorgu has revealed just how much the striker’s move shocked the national camp.
“We knew that it would happen to Christian [Eriksen], but it was perhaps a bigger shock that Rasmus had to move on. I talked to him a lot during the process and could sense which way it was going,” Dorgu told Ekstra Bladet ahead of Denmark’s World Cup qualifier against Scotland.
“That’s How It Is in Football”
Dorgu admitted the decision underlines the brutal nature of modern football:
“That’s how it is in football. You never know when it’s your turn to move on… Hopefully, we will now see each other every time on the national team.” — Patrick Dorgu, via Ekstra Bladet
The 19-year-old full-back, who swapped Lecce for Old Trafford in January, admitted having both Eriksen and Højlund in the squad helped him settle quickly. With both now departed, he insists his own choice to join United was driven by Amorim’s vision rather than friendships.
“I was thinking much more about the coach’s plans and ideas with me when I had to make the decision,” Dorgu said.
Højlund’s United Record Under Scrutiny
Last season, Højlund played 52 matches under Amorim, scoring 10 goals and providing 4 assists. While his work rate and movement were praised, his output was considered underwhelming compared to expectations following his big-money move from Atalanta.
With Šeško now leading the line and Napoli offering Champions League football, Ineos opted to sanction the loan — though the move has raised questions about United’s long-term strategy with the Danish striker.
Højlund 2024/25 Manchester United Stats
| Stat (2024/25) | Rasmus Højlund |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 52 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Premier League Goals | — |
source: club data / Ekstra Bladet – 5 September 2025
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Højlund’s exit shows the ruthless new direction under Amorim and Ineos:
“Højlund was United’s big striker investment from Atalanta, but 10 goals across more than 50 matches is not enough for a No.9 at Old Trafford. Amorim’s decision to bring in Šeško sent a clear signal — ruthlessness over sentiment.”
He adds:
“For Napoli, this is an exciting gamble. Serie A suits physical forwards, and Højlund could rediscover his confidence. United, meanwhile, have effectively parked him for a season to reassess whether he really fits their long-term plans.”
Key Insights
- Rasmus Højlund loaned to Napoli on deadline day.
- Patrick Dorgu admits he “talked a lot” with his Denmark teammate during the process.
- The move came as a “shock” inside the national camp.
- Højlund scored 10 goals and 4 assists in 52 games for United last season.
- Amorim and Ineos prioritised Benjamin Šeško as their No.9.
What’s Next for Højlund and United?
Højlund now faces the challenge of proving himself in Serie A with Napoli, where regular minutes and Champions League exposure await. A strong campaign could either revive his Manchester United career or pave the way for a permanent exit.
For Amorim, the focus is squarely on Šeško leading the line in a crucial first full season under Ineos ownership. With Højlund out on loan, United’s patience appears thin — and the striker has 12 months to change perceptions.
👉 Do you think Rasmus Højlund still has a long-term future at Manchester United — or has his chance already passed?
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