Rasmus Højlund is back to doing what he does best — scoring goals with instinct and confidence. The Manchester United loanee, now shining for Napoli, netted again for Denmark during the international break and has opened up about the mindset that’s fuelling his resurgence.
The 22-year-old striker scored the opener in Denmark’s 3–1 win over Greece, taking his tally to three goals in two games and eight in nine matches across club and country this season.
Speaking to Danish outlet Bold, Højlund described how his goal came down to freedom and simplicity rather than overthinking — a contrast to the pressure-filled months he endured at Old Trafford.
“It’s clear that not much thought is being given to it,” he said. “It’s a bit carefree at the moment. I might look for it a little more and read it a little better.”
The comment captures everything that’s changed. At Napoli, Højlund is instinctive, confident, and unpredictable. At Manchester United, he was the opposite — burdened by expectation and low on rhythm.
Playing on Instinct
Højlund’s goal against Greece came from pure striker’s instinct. Spotting hesitation in the Greek defence, he pounced, stealing possession and slotting the ball calmly past the goalkeeper. It was the kind of quick, decisive movement that characterised his rise at Atalanta but went missing during his Premier League stint.
That natural, reactive element — playing without fear — is what’s powering his current form. “Carefree” might sound casual, but for a striker, it’s crucial. Confidence sharpens reactions, while anxiety slows them.
At Napoli, under Antonio Conte, he’s rediscovered that balance. Trusted as the focal point of the attack, Højlund has the space and freedom to exploit defenders rather than waiting for the perfect pass.
| Stat (2025/26) | Rasmus Højlund |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 9 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Shot Conversion | 27% |
source: sofascore match data – 11 October 2025
Those numbers illustrate his rebirth — efficient, confident, and clinical again.
Life After Manchester United
Højlund’s turnaround is also a reminder of how environment shapes performance. After joining Manchester United for £72 million, he arrived burdened by both the fee and the club’s chaotic attack. His first season yielded just four Premier League goals, and despite flashes of promise, he rarely looked comfortable.
At times, he seemed isolated — caught between poor service and tactical confusion. But as many pointed out, not all of his struggles were down to United’s system. Some came from hesitation, a lack of confidence to chase loose balls or gamble on mistakes.
In contrast, his goal against Greece came from precisely that instinct. He pressed, anticipated, and took his chance. That mindset — proactive rather than reactive — is what he lacked in England.
FootballPlace analyst John William explains: “At United, Højlund looked like he was thinking too much — analysing every touch, every movement. At Napoli and with Denmark, he’s playing on instinct again. You can see it in his body language — lighter, freer, smiling.”
Confidence Restored
Confidence, once lost, can be hard to recover. But Højlund’s current form shows how quickly it can return when the pressure lifts. Napoli have built their attack around his pace and movement, while Denmark’s manager Kasper Hjulmand continues to show unwavering trust.
“He’s playing like a striker who believes in every touch,” William adds. “That’s the biggest difference — belief. It’s what separates a cold streak from a hot run.”
Key Insights
- Rasmus Højlund reveals his “carefree” mindset behind Denmark’s 3–1 win over Greece.
- The Manchester United loanee has scored 8 goals in 9 matches for Napoli and Denmark.
- Says he’s “not thinking too much” and focusing on reading play naturally.
- Contrasts sharply with his tense, over-analytical form at Manchester United.
- Confidence and instinct have reignited his finishing touch.
What’s Next for Højlund
Højlund returns to club duty with Napoli full of confidence ahead of their clash with Torino this weekend. A continuation of his current form could make him one of Serie A’s top scorers by Christmas — and reignite speculation over his long-term future at Manchester United.
For now, the Danish striker’s message is simple: play free, stay sharp, and trust your instincts. It’s working — and it may just be the blueprint for his redemption story.
👉 Has Rasmus Højlund finally found the freedom he needed — and will Manchester United regret letting him go?
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