Rasmus Hojlund confirmed that the loan move to Napoli became permanent, and used the moment to say farewell to Manchester United. Napoli’s qualification for the Champions League triggered the clause, leaving Hojlund to reflect on a year in Italy and on achieving a childhood ambition at Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old forward scored in Napoli’s 3-0 victory at Pisa, taking Hojlund to 11 Serie A goals this season. That strike, Hojlund’s best return in a top-five European league campaign, secured Antonio Conte’s team a Champions League place. It also activated the agreement that turned Hojlund’s loan from Manchester United into a full transfer.
Hojlund addressed both supporters in a long Instagram message, describing how the day marked a personal turning
point. The post linked the goal against Pisa with the formal change of status from loanee to Napoli player, and with Hojlund’s emotional departure from Old Trafford after just one full season at Manchester United.
"This goal felt symbolic because it means two things. We have now secured Champions League with Napoli, which means, because of my contract, I'm now officially a Napoli player, and I'm saying goodbye to Manchester United," Hojlund posted on Instagram. "That feels weird, because for the past year I already feel like a Napoli player. The way you fans supported me, made me feel like home and let me find my confidence again is something I'm so grateful for. To say goodbye to Manchester United is something that kinda feels emotional too. My childhood dream came true by playing at Old Trafford in a red jersey. So the goal today symbolises a new confident start, in which I will give everything for the time ahead to Napoli, and a thank you to all the fans, players and staff of Manchester United who made the dream I had as a kid come true. Its time for new dreams, so let's chase them. "
Manchester United signed Hojlund from Atalanta in August 2023 for a fee of 72m. Hojlund played 95 matches in all competitions and scored 26 goals before the loan to Napoli. The forward’s improved return in Serie A under Conte highlighted why both clubs agreed to the conditional permanent switch.
| Player | Club joined from | Year joined Manchester United | Appearances for Manchester United | Goals for Manchester United |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rasmus Hojlund | Atalanta | 2023 | 95 | 26 |
| Tyrell Malacia | Feyenoord | 2022 | 49 | 0 |
Tyrell Malacia also departed Manchester United, with confirmation arriving after the 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest. Malacia joined from Feyenoord in 2022 and made 49 appearances, including Premier League and cup games. The left-back spent part of the previous campaign on loan at PSV, but injuries disrupted progress and limited minutes.
Michael Carrick referenced Malacia when addressing supporters at Old Trafford after the Forest match. Carrick underlined the defender’s recent struggles and asked for a warm response from the crowd. "There's Tyrell, who I spoke to the boys about before kick-off," Carrick said when addressing the fans after the victory over Forest. "He's been through a tough time due to injuries. I encourage you to show him your support. "
Hojlund’s permanent exit and Malacia’s confirmed departure underlined further squad change at Manchester United after a mixed season. The developments followed Napoli’s push for domestic recovery under Conte and PSV’s use of Malacia on loan. Supporters across Europe, including many in the Middle East, watched two careers enter new stages beyond Old Trafford.
