'Keep the fire burning' – Benni McCarthy Admits Rasmus Hojlund Looks Reborn After Man United Exit

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has heaped praise on Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund after the striker’s blistering start to life at Napoli. 

The Danish forward, who endured a frustrating spell at Old Trafford last season, has rediscovered his scoring touch in Italy and looks rejuvenated under Antonio Conte.

Hojlund, who moved to Naples in the summer transfer window, struck twice in midweek against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League. His brace earned the reigning Serie A champions a crucial victory and underlined why Napoli were willing to take a gamble on the former Atalanta man after a difficult year in Manchester.

The 21-year-old’s struggles at United were well documented. He went 21 games without scoring in one stretch as Erik ten Hag’s successor Ruben Amorim endured a nightmare campaign that saw the club slump to their lowest-ever Premier League finish.

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 That run, combined with the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko in big-money deals, forced United to ship him out on loan.

“Solid, my man. So pleased and happy for you, Ras. Keep the fire burning,” McCarthy commented on Hojlund’s Instagram after his brace.

McCarthy, who worked closely with Hojlund during his first season in England as United’s striker coach, has long shared a strong bond with the Copenhagen academy graduate. Under his guidance, the young forward managed 16 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions in 2022–23, a respectable tally that highlighted his potential at the top level.

But once McCarthy departed Old Trafford, Hojlund’s form dipped. He only found the net 10 times in 52 matches last season before being pushed out of the squad by Amorim. Napoli’s intervention, however, has given him a fresh start and a platform to thrive, with his early impact suggesting a return to form is well underway.

That resurgence has not gone unnoticed by his former mentor. McCarthy’s message of support has resonated with fans and pundits alike, who believe the South African’s mentorship was key to unlocking Hojlund’s ability in the Premier League.

Adding to the intrigue, Hojlund has struck up an instant partnership with Napoli’s new midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian playmaker, who left Manchester City in June after a decade of brilliance at the Etihad, provided both assists for Hojlund’s goals against Sporting.

After the match, De Bruyne even went as far as comparing the Dane to his former City teammate Erling Haaland.

“I was trying to get into that space for the first goal and was waiting for the right moment to pass it to Rasmus, luckily he did the rest. I think Rasmus is growing a lot and is very similar to Haaland,” De Bruyne said as per Tribal Football.

“I think they [Haaland and Hojlund] are very similar because they both like to attack the depth. Maybe Hojlund comes to play the ball towards us more, but I think he needs to attack the space a lot because he can score and give us a big hand.”

Hojlund has already scored on his Serie A debut against Fiorentina and followed it up with a European statement performance against Sporting. 

For Manchester United, however, his resurgence may raise questions about whether they gave up too soon on a striker once touted as their long-term No.9.

If Hojlund continues on this trajectory, McCarthy’s words may prove prophetic — and United could be left to regret allowing one of Europe’s brightest young forwards to flourish elsewhere.