United Edge Closer to Højlund Sale
Rasmus Højlund’s electric start at Napoli has strengthened the Italian club’s determination to make his loan move permanent once the season concludes. The Manchester United striker has found renewed form in Naples, scoring four goals in six matches across all competitions and quickly becoming a fan favourite.
He opened his account on his Serie A debut against Fiorentina before netting twice in the Champions League victory over Sporting Lisbon. His most recent goal, a decisive strike against Genoa, completed Napoli’s comeback and ensured they entered the international break at the top of the table. For Højlund, this revival represents a significant turnaround after a difficult year at Old Trafford.
The Danish forward had initially hoped to remain at United, but with the club pursuing a new striker following his modest return of four Premier League goals last season, he was ultimately loaned out. Benjamin Šeško, his replacement, has already matched half of that tally in just seven games. Playing alongside Kevin De Bruyne, who assisted both of his goals against Sporting, appears to have brought out Højlund’s best qualities. De Bruyne remarked that Højlund shared similarities with Erling Haaland, noting that both thrive on exploiting space in behind.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Napoli are fully intent on keeping Højlund beyond this season. The deal, initially worth £5.2 million, includes a £38.2 million option that is expected to become an obligation. Romano confirmed that all parties view the move as “a future permanent transfer almost guaranteed.” For United, the arrangement benefits everyone: Højlund regains his confidence, and the club looks to the future with a more efficient striker leading their attack.
Shearer Praises Lammens and Yoro
Two Manchester United players earned spots in Alan Shearer’s Team of the Week following their commanding performances in the 2-0 win over Sunderland. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens and centre-back Leny Yoro were both instrumental in securing United’s first clean sheet of the season.
For Lammens, the match marked his debut after joining from Royal Antwerp for £18.2 million. His composed display between the posts earned him the highest Sofascore rating of the game (7.8). Shearer praised his calmness, saying that the Belgian “did the simple things very well on his debut,” and highlighted his crucial saves and authority in the penalty area.
Yoro, meanwhile, returned to the starting line-up after being dropped for the previous match at Brentford. The 19-year-old’s assured performance included several key interventions and tackles, prompting Shearer to note that United “look so much more secure when he’s in the side.” With a fortnight before their next fixture against Liverpool, manager Ruben Amorim now has important decisions to make in defence.
United’s visit to Anfield arrives at a favourable moment, with Liverpool enduring three consecutive defeats. The encounter presents an opportunity for Amorim’s team to build on their recent improvement and heap further misery on their long-time rivals.
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