Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund is trying to rediscover his goalscoring touch.
During his two seasons at the club, Rasmus Hojlund demonstrated just how much of a streaky player he could be.
Hojlund waited 14 Premier League games to score his first goal for United, and then last season, the Dane went 21 games without a goal in all competitions.
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Ruben Amorim decided he wanted to replace Hojlund, and cast him aside as soon as Benjamin Sesko was signed.
Hojlund was loaned out to Napoli, who have an option to buy. It is likely the move becomes permanent, although the Serie A side could try to re-negotiate the terms.
Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesRasmus Hojlund’s wait for another goal
During the October international break, Rasmus Hojlund scored three goals in two games for Denmark.
Hojlund, 22, has not scored since.
The Manchester United loanee spent time out with a minor injury, and since his return, he has failed to score in three games.
It is a Napoli-wide problem, with the reigning Serie A champions managing just one goal over their last three matches.
Manager Antonio Conte is frustrated, he called out the players’ disappointing finishing in their recent 0-0 draw. Hojlund was one of the several guilty parties who missed chances.
Hojlund’s last goal for Napoli came back on October 5. He has four goals in nine matches overall, but the fear is that he is at the start of one of his really long droughts.
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Rasmus Hojlund’s transfer to Napoli has largely been seen as a success. But the mood has started to turn.
Hojlund was criticised after Napoli’s 0-0 draw at home to Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Corriere dello Sport gave him a 5/10 for his performance, writing: “This time in Europe, where he excels, he doesn’t repeat himself.
“He has a good chance at the start of the match, but shoots at Zetterer. He’s also timid at the end.”
The outlet noted how he was easily man-marked by former Leeds defender Robin Koch, who ‘easily won’ their duel.
CdS added how the Manchester United loanee has lost his spark, commenting: “Hojlund, inevitably, finds himself at the centre of the debate: the Dane, who had dazzled on his return to Italy, who had forcefully knocked on the door of Europe with a brace against Sporting Lisbon, is now struggling to make an impact.”
Napoli are away at Bologna at the weekend, the final club game before the international break.
Hojlund will be desperate to get back on the scoresheet and reset the narrative, with Romelu Lukaku moving closer in his bid to return from injury before the end of the calendar year.