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Napoli’s New Hope: Hojlund Begins to Shine After United Struggles

Naples – Rasmus Hojlund, after a challenging stint with Manchester united, is beginning to demonstrate his potential with Napoli. The Danish international’s move to the Italian club followed a 72 million pound transfer from Atalanta in 2023, but 95 appearances for the Red Devils yielded only 26 goals. Consequently, he was loaned to Napoli for the 2025/2026 season, with an option for a permanent transfer.

Hojlund’s early performances for Napoli have been promising. He scored on his debut against Fiorentina, and has been a regular starter in subsequent matches against Manchester City and Pisa.

Former Danish player martin Jorgensen believes Hojlund’s struggles at Manchester United stemmed from a lack of support within the team. “If he finds a team where he can play and be helped to develop, he can be good. He had difficulty in Manchester because the team did not play for him,” Jorgensen told Radio kiss Kiss.

Jorgensen highlighted Napoli’s more competitive surroundings and the influential presence of players like Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay as key factors in Hojlund’s potential success. “Napoli is more competitive. With McTominay and De Bruyne,who can also send him to the goal,the way he is happy to do,” he added.

Hojlund will look to further build on his form when napoli face AC Milan in a highly anticipated match on September 29th.

What specific qualities in a defender did Erik ten Hag prioritize that Andreas Christensen seemingly lacked?

Erik ten Hag: Teh crucial Role He Played in Andreas Christensen’s Departure from Manchester United

The Initial Pursuit & Christensen’s Profile

Andreas Christensen’s name was surprisingly linked with Manchester United in the summer of 2022, a period when Erik ten Hag was newly appointed manager. The Danish defender, fresh off a prosperous loan spell with Chelsea and a permanent move back too the club, initially wasn’t a target under previous regimes. Ten Hag’s arrival shifted the landscape, with a clear need identified for bolstering the center-back options. Christensen, known for his composure on the ball, tactical intelligence, and passing range – qualities highly valued in ten Hag’s system – quickly emerged as a potential signing.

Key attributes that made Christensen attractive included:

* passing Accuracy: crucial for building from the back, a Ten Hag hallmark.

* Defensive Positioning: A strong reader of the game, minimizing risks.

* Ball-Playing Ability: Cozy progressing the ball forward.

* Versatility: Capable of playing multiple positions across the defense.

ten Hag’s Assessment & Option Targets

However, Ten Hag’s interest wasn’t unconditional. While appreciating Christensen’s skillset, internal scouting reports and Ten Hag’s own assessment highlighted concerns. these weren’t about Christensen’s ability, but rather his profile within the broader squad rebuild. Ten Hag prioritized center-backs with specific physical attributes – notably, greater pace and aerial dominance – to implement his high-pressing, rapid-transition style of play.

This led to a parallel pursuit of other targets, most notably lisandro Martínez from Ajax. Martínez, already familiar with Ten Hag’s methods, possessed the aggressive, physically imposing characteristics the manager desired.The pursuit of Martínez became the primary focus, effectively diminishing the likelihood of a move for Christensen. This strategic shift wasn’t a rejection of Christensen’s quality, but a prioritization of a diffrent tactical fit.

Chelsea’s Contract Renewal & United’s Shift in Focus

Crucially, Chelsea’s proactive contract renewal with Christensen substantially complicated matters. negotiations had been protracted, but a deal was eventually struck, solidifying Christensen’s position at Stamford Bridge. This advancement coincided with Manchester United intensifying their pursuit of Martínez.

The timeline is vital:

1. Early Summer 2022: Initial links between United and Christensen emerge following Ten Hag’s appointment.
2. Mid-Summer 2022: United begins serious negotiations for Lisandro Martínez.
3. Late Summer 2022: Christensen signs a new contract with Chelsea,effectively ending United’s interest. Martínez joins United.

The Impact of Varane & Maguire’s Situations

The existing center-back situation at Manchester United also played a role. While Harry Maguire faced criticism, he remained club captain.Raphael Varane,despite injury issues,was viewed as a key component of the defense. Ten Hag believed a partnership between Varane and Martínez offered the ideal blend of experience,physicality,and tactical intelligence. Adding Christensen would have created a surplus of center-backs, possibly disrupting squad harmony and limiting playing time for key players.

Ten Hag’s System & The Preferred Defender Profile

Ten Hag’s tactical philosophy heavily influences his player recruitment.He favors defenders who are comfortable in possession, capable of playing out from the back, and adept at pressing high up the pitch.While Christensen possesses the first two qualities,his lack of blistering pace and imposing physical presence didn’t align with the manager’s vision for a modern,dynamic defense.

Consider these key elements of Ten Hag’s system:

* High Press: Requires defenders with good recovery speed.

* Build-Up Play: Demands composure and accurate passing from the back.

* defensive Line: Needs defenders comfortable playing a high line.

christensen’s Subsequent performance at Chelsea & Beyond

Following his contract renewal, Christensen continued to be a regular starter for Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel. However, his form dipped in the 2023-24 season, leading to a loan move to Fulham. this subsequent downturn in performance, while not directly attributable to Ten Hag’s decision, arguably validates the manager’s initial assessment – that Christensen, while a good player, might not have been the ideal fit for the specific demands of his system at Manchester United. His move to Fulham in 2024 further illustrates a shift in his career trajectory, away from the top-tier contention previously held.