The call is growing louder from Old Trafford legends: Rasmus Hojlund deserves a second, real chance at Manchester United. Following a difficult initial spell, former Reds Michael Owen and Ryan Giggs are championing the Danish international's return, arguing that the club's "broken" past system, not the player himself, was the root cause of his struggles.
Key Points:
- Michael Owen vehemently argues Hojlund's initial struggles were due to Manchester United's dysfunctional team setup, not his ability.
- Club legend Ryan Giggs echoes this sentiment, believing Hojlund would thrive in the current, more fluid system under Michael Carrick.
- Hojlund has found a new lease of life at Napoli, netting 10 goals in 29 Serie A appearances.
- A crucial £38 million obligation-to-buy clause with Napoli presents a significant hurdle for any potential United recall.
The System Was Broken, Not the Striker
Michael Owen, speaking after United's 2-1 victory over Brentford, didn't mince words. He believes it's "very hard to judge" a striker when the team itself isn't functioning. Hojlund, loaned out to Napoli after managing just four Premier League goals in his second Manchester season, was, in Owen's view, a victim of circumstance.
"Strikers are the end of the chain, if the chain is broken, it’s pointless in many ways," Owen stated. His conviction is that Hojlund played in a Manchester United team that "was broken and didn’t have any links and played poorly." Now excelling in Italy, Owen is keen to see what the forward could achieve in a revitalized setup.
Carrick's Revival and Sesko's Soaring Form
The landscape at Old Trafford has shifted dramatically under interim boss Michael Carrick. His tenure has introduced a more coherent and fluid style of play, leading to tangible improvements across the squad. Owen points to the transformation of summer signing Benjamin Sesko as irrefutable proof of a working system's impact.
Since Carrick took the reins in January, Sesko has exploded, bagging six goals in just 12 appearances, including the winner against Brentford. "Now that chain throughout the team is actually working, you are seeing a different type of player," Owen explained. He suggests that many past "poor purchases" might have simply been denied the service they needed to shine.
Giggs Joins the Chorus: Competition is Key
Owen isn't alone in his belief. United icon Ryan Giggs has also weighed in, highlighting Hojlund's misfortune in being the sole senior centre-forward during his challenging first year. Giggs envisions a scenario where Hojlund and Sesko could push each other, creating healthy competition that United has sorely lacked.
Hojlund's form under Antonio Conte at Napoli has been nothing short of a revelation. With 10 goals in 29 league appearances, he's demonstrably rediscovered his touch and confidence, making the calls for his return even more compelling.
The £38 Million Roadblock: Napoli's Firm Grip
Despite the growing clamour from legends and fans, a significant contractual hurdle stands in the way of Hojlund's Old Trafford comeback. His loan deal with Napoli reportedly includes an obligation-to-buy clause, valued at approximately £38 million, which activates if the Italian club secures Champions League qualification.
Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has already publicly affirmed the club's unwavering desire to retain the striker permanently, seeing him as a vital component of their long-term project. Unless Napoli unexpectedly falters and fails to meet the mandatory conditions, United might find their hands tied, leaving Owen and Giggs's wishes unfulfilled.
