Man Utd star admits shock over Rasmus Hojlund joining Napoli and reveals Danish striker’s key role in Old Trafford move
Manchester United full-back Patrick Dorgu admitted that he was shocked to see compatriot Rasmus Hojlund leave the club this summer.

Man Utd star admits shock over Rasmus Hojlund joining Napoli and reveals Danish striker’s key role in Old Trafford move

When Manchester United announced the signing of Patrick Dorgu in January, the young Dane was open about the influence his compatriot Rasmus Hojlund had on his decision. The striker, who had arrived from Atalanta in the summer of 2023, quickly became a friendly figure for fellow Scandinavians settling in at Old Trafford. But only months later, Dorgu found himself stunned by the news that Hojlund was packing his bags for Serie A side Napoli.

The move, sealed on deadline day, caught plenty of supporters off guard. Even with United’s hefty summer recruitment—most notably the arrival of Slovenian forward Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig—few expected Hojlund’s Old Trafford journey to pause so suddenly. For Dorgu, who had looked forward to learning from his compatriot on and off the pitch, it was a particularly unexpected twist.


Rasmus Hojlund and the Napoli surprise

The decision to let Hojlund join Napoli on loan felt like the end of a short but significant chapter. Hojlund, just 21, had shown flashes of promise in his debut campaign, including vital Champions League goals and the kind of relentless work rate that quickly won over sections of the United support.

But football can be cruelly pragmatic. With Erik ten Hag’s replacement Ruben Amorim eager to reshape the attack, United splashed out on Sesko—seen as a future No.9 to build the team around. That signing instantly shifted the dynamic. Hojlund, once the focal point of the attack, was now facing the prospect of life as a second-choice forward.

Initially, he wasn’t ready to give up the fight. Reports suggest the Dane told United staff he wanted to stay and compete for his place, a show of determination that reflected his mentality. But as the window ticked down and Napoli’s interest became serious, the decision was made. A loan move offered him guaranteed minutes, Champions League football, and a chance to rebuild confidence in a less pressurised environment.


Patrick Dorgu’s surprise at Hojlund’s departure

Manchester United v Athletic Club - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg Hojlund

Manchester United v Athletic Club – UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg Hojlund

For Dorgu, who had settled into United life partly thanks to Hojlund’s guidance, the move was bittersweet. Speaking during Denmark’s international camp, the left-back admitted he hadn’t expected his teammate to leave so soon.

“Of course it was a surprise,” Dorgu told Danish media. “Rasmus was one of the first people I spoke to before joining United. He helped me understand the club, the expectations, and life in Manchester. He’s a big reason why I felt comfortable making the switch. To see him go to Napoli so quickly—it was something I didn’t imagine.”

The pair have now reunited with the Denmark national team, where they will feature in September’s fixtures. But for Dorgu, it is a reminder of how quickly football can change. The teammate who helped lure him to Old Trafford is now preparing to lead the line in Naples.


Why United let Hojlund go

On paper, letting go of a young, energetic striker who cost more than £70m just over a year ago seems questionable. But United’s hierarchy and Amorim appear to believe the move benefits all parties.

Firstly, the arrival of Sesko changed the equation. At just 21 himself, Sesko is viewed as a player around whom United can build their next great attack. His blend of pace, aerial dominance, and technical skill fits Amorim’s pressing system perfectly. With Marcus Rashford also expected to play centrally on occasion, Hojlund risked limited minutes.

Secondly, the Napoli project was appealing. The Serie A club, though undergoing their own rebuild, can offer Hojlund the chance to start regularly in one of Europe’s top leagues. A season in Italy could accelerate his development, just as it did during his time at Atalanta.

And finally, United protected their long-term interests. The deal, structured as a loan, allows them to reassess next summer. If Hojlund flourishes in Naples, he returns with experience and renewed confidence. If not, United can make decisions without the pressure of having benched him all season.


The wider Danish connection at Old Trafford

Beyond the individual stories, Hojlund’s move raises questions about the Danish influence at United. With Christian Eriksen still part of the squad and Dorgu now settling in, the club had quietly built a Scandinavian core. Hojlund was meant to be at the centre of it, a young star leading the line and embodying the new era.

Instead, his departure leaves Dorgu and Eriksen as the remaining Danish representatives at Old Trafford. For Dorgu, it adds responsibility. At 19, he was always going to need time to adjust, but without Hojlund by his side day-to-day, the adaptation might feel sharper. Still, he insists that his compatriot’s advice before joining remains invaluable.

“He told me that United is a club where you need to give everything,” Dorgu said earlier this year. “It’s not just about talent—it’s about mentality, about how you handle pressure. That stuck with me.”


What next for Hojlund and United?

Hojlund’s immediate task is clear: prove himself in Naples. Serie A defenders are notoriously tough to crack, but the Danish striker’s athleticism and movement could make him a valuable weapon. If he can rediscover the scoring touch that made him one of Europe’s hottest young strikers at Atalanta, he could return to Manchester with renewed confidence—and perhaps force Amorim to rethink his plans.

For United, the pressure is on Sesko. Big signings are always scrutinised, and replacing one young striker with another brings added comparisons. The Slovenian has already impressed in Germany, but replicating that form in the Premier League is another challenge entirely. If Sesko struggles, questions will inevitably be asked about why Hojlund was allowed to leave.


Conclusion: A reminder of football’s unpredictability

Patrick Dorgu’s candid admission about his surprise reflects what many Manchester United fans felt. Hojlund, after all, was a symbol of the club’s new direction only 12 months ago. Now, he’s wearing Napoli blue, chasing goals in Italy instead of at Old Trafford.

Football careers can twist and turn in ways even players themselves can’t anticipate. For Dorgu, it’s a reminder that his own United journey will be full of unexpected challenges. For Hojlund, it’s a chance to prove himself once again, away from the relentless spotlight of the Premier League.

And for United supporters, it’s another chapter in the ongoing saga of rebuilding a squad that has seen more changes in recent years than many would have liked.

As for Dorgu, one thing is clear: the influence of Rasmus Hojlund may have led him to Old Trafford, but the task of writing his own Manchester United story now rests squarely on his shoulders.

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