Antoino Conte has accused ex-Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim of showing ‘arrogance’ in his treatment of Rasmus Hojlund, who’s spending the season on loan at Napoli
Napoli boss Antoino Conte has slammed Ruben Amorim for his ‘arrogant’ decision to cast Rasmus Hojlund aside at Manchester United. Hojlund, 22, was loaned out to Napoli in September after United signed three new forwards in the summer transfer window.
The striker had spent two difficult years at Old Trafford following his £72million move from Italian side Atalanta. Hojlund managed 26 goals in 95 appearances for the Red Devils, but he’s been more prolific since he returned to Serie A.
Under Conte, the Denmark international has bagged nine goals in 25 games, as Napoli bid to defend the Scudetto and go far in the Champions League. Speaking before his team’s 1-0 win at home to Sassuolo on Saturday, Conte was asked about Hojlund, and he took aim at Amorim, who United sacked earlier this month.
“Some young coaches nowadays are arrogant and don’t want to adapt,” the ex-Chelsea and Tottenham manager claimed. “They see a young striker struggling and instead of training him, they blame him. They always complain and blame everyone but themselves, because everything is handed to them on a silver platter.”
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football’s Facebook page.
READ MORE: Hansi Flick makes example of Marcus Rashford as Barcelona star hands in transfer requestREAD MORE: Man Utd announce January transfer as club issue statement
Last month, Conte fired a dig at United regarding both Hojlund and Scott McTominay, who was sold to Napoli by the Red Devils in August 2024. “Everyone used to say Rasmus didn’t play in Manchester, neither did McTominay, so why?” Conte asked. “Ask yourselves some questions there. The staff and I had work to do, there is a reason we are here, after all.”
Napoli paid United a €6million (£5.1m) loan fee for Hojlund and if the Scudetto holders qualify for next season’s Champions League, they’ll be obliged to cough up €44m (£38.1m) to sign him permanently. Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, recently described the deal as a ‘formality’.
Should Manchester United have loaned out Rasmus Hojlund? Have your say in the comments section.
“There’s an option to buy and an obligation to buy if we qualify for the Champions League,” Manna added. “The player considers himself a Napoli player, and the same goes for us. This is extremely important.”
Hojlund hasn’t been on the scoresheet in 2026 but he’ll be hoping to get off the mark when Napoli travel to his native Denmark on Tuesday. Conte’s men resume their Champions League campaign against Copenhagen at Parken.
The Danish giants occupy the final play-off spot with just two games of the league phase remaining. Napoli are one place above them but only via goal difference, making it a crucial match for both teams.
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
