NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli celebrates after netting his team’s opening goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match against Sporting Clube de Portugal at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 1, 2025. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Peter Schmeichel believes Napoli can rejuvenate Rasmus Hojlund in the same manner they did with Scott McTominay. “He’d easily be a 25-goal striker for Manchester United, but he requires support,” he said.
The former Atalanta forward has mirrored Scotland international McTominay by transitioning from Old Trafford to Stadio Diego Maradona, reigniting his career.
Schmeichel, a Manchester United legend, argues that this illustrates Napoli’s impressive team-building while also criticizing the treatment of both players during their time in England.
Schmeichel Highlights Hojlund and McTominay’s Impact at Napoli
“The acquisition of Benjamin Sesko puzzled me slightly, especially with Rasmus Hojlund already in the squad, who has not received proper service for two years,” Schmeichel remarked on the BBC podcast “Sacked in the Morning.”
“Just look at what he’s accomplishing at Napoli with the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Scott McTominay—he’s finding the back of the net.”
“I’ve maintained for the past two and a half years that Rasmus Hojlund is capable of being a 25-goal-per-season striker for Manchester United, but he just needs the right support.”
McTominay transformed from being a sidelined player at Manchester United to becoming the Serie A MVP in his first season at Napoli, contributing 13 goals and six assists to help clinch the Scudetto.
A significant factor is the opportunity for the Scottish midfielder to excel in his natural position, where he can both advance and defend.
“What we’re seeing from him at Napoli is a direct reflection of his potential with Manchester United,” Schmeichel concluded.
“The issue lay in his adaptability; he was versatile, yet managers preferred players who could operate solely in one role. This often led to him being sidelined.”
“Phil Neville experienced a similar situation; he often lacked a steady starting position despite frequently playing due to his ability to fill different roles.”
“It baffles me why both of them are at Napoli. Rasmus Hojlund has immense passion for Manchester United; he was writing about his desire to play for the club since he was ten years old. The fans appreciate him for his hard work and dedication to the team.”
This season, Hojlund has already made an impact with four goals in six matches across Serie A and the Champions League.