Why do players leave Manchester United and suddenly perform? Is it a United thing? Could Rasmus Hojlund be added to the list of players to leave Old Trafford and rediscover the quality United thought they were buying?
Rasmus Hojlund’s well-taken brace in the Champions League for Napoli in their 2-1 win against Sporting Lisbon is a brutal, non-coincidental and almost undeniable realisation for Manchester United fans that maybe their own club is responsible for their players underperforming for the Red Devils.
Manchester United acquired the services of Danish man Hojlund from Serie A side Atalanta for a fee of 64 million, with 8 million in add-ons included. Current European Champions, PSG, were also in pursuit of the 20-year-old, but Hojlund was driven to join the red side of Manchester under Erik Ten Hag in 2023.
Hojlund’s time in England was one of underwhelming and frustrating nature as the number 9 only managed 26 goals in 95 appearances for the club, 14 of which came in the Premier League in 62 appearances.
Although the striker had a decent frame, being 6’3 inches tall, and a respectable burst of acceleration, it became apparent he wouldn’t be what United were looking for in what seems to be an eternal phase of transition for the club.
Rasmus lacked the presence up top, along with an inconsistency in finishing and below-par link-up play. Serie A champions Napoli, coached by serial winner Antonio Conte, signed Hojlund on a season-long loan with an option to buy for 38 million euros if certain conditions are met.
Who else has left Old Trafford and improved?
Other players, such as Antony, who joined United for £86 million, have also rediscovered form at Spanish side Real Betis after a loan spell last season and have returned there for the 2025/26 season.
David De Gea, one of the last remaining figures from the previous title-winning side under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, was scapegoated and blamed for many of United’s failures.
Despite the Spanish keeper being responsible for many blunders in the net and susceptible to amounts of criticism, United fans might look back on his tenure in goal more fondly, with De Gea’s successor, Andre Onana, undoubtedly being a larger failure.
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Scott McTominay, perhaps, is the worst departure of all and the biggest mistake, being a Carrington graduate.
The Scotsman was shoehorned into a defensive-minded role due to his size and imposing presence for United. When it was clear to see his natural attacking and goal-scoring instinct would have been utilised more if he had been given more licence to roam and get forward.
Likewise, with Hojlund, Napoli took a chance on McTominay and signed him to a permanent deal for £ 25 million in 2024.
Mctominay exceeded all expectations and had a world-class season, picking up 13 goals and 4 assists in 36 games for the title winners, won the MVP player of the year in the Serie A, and astoundingly finished 18th in this year’s Ballon d’Or rankings!
What is the problem?
Hojlund isn’t the first player to leave Manchester United, revive their career and rekindle their previously thought potential and it must be said.. he probably won’t be the last.
United have appointed several managers, including Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Erik Ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, over the years.
Co-ownership has also changed, with INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquiring a minority stake in the club.
Some things remain constant, however: underwhelming signings, disappointing performances and terrible results from what is meant to be the Premier League’s biggest club.
This begs the simple question of why? Is it the club’s culture? Environment? Pressure?
A certainty is that it can no longer be labelled a coincidence that these players deemed not good enough for Manchester United elevate their levels almost instantaneously once departing the club.
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