Manchester United Told to Recall Rasmus Hojlund After Sensational Napoli Form

Teddy Sheringham believes the Danish striker deserves a second chance at Old Trafford as his goals light up Serie A

Manchester United have been urged to bring Rasmus Hojlund back to Old Trafford following his eye-catching loan spell in Italy, with club legend Teddy Sheringham insisting the striker deserves another chance in red.

The Danish forward joined Napoli on loan last summer after a difficult period at United, with the Serie A side holding an option to buy that will turn into an obligation if Antonio Conte’s team qualify for next season’s Champions League. For now, that decision remains in the balance — and Hojlund’s form is making it increasingly complicated.

Since arriving in Naples, the 21-year-old has rediscovered the confidence and sharpness that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards. He has already scored 10 goals in all competitions, including a well-taken strike in Wednesday night’s Champions League defeat to Chelsea.

Those performances have not gone unnoticed back in England.

Speaking to MrQ, former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham said the club should seriously consider recalling Hojlund, especially with changes happening behind the scenes at Old Trafford.

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“Yes, I do,” Sheringham said when asked if United should bring him back. “Things change very quickly at football clubs, especially when there’s different people in charge.”

United are currently under the temporary leadership of Michael Carrick, and Sheringham believes that fresh management could completely change Hojlund’s fortunes.

“Who knows what relationship Michael Carrick has with players like Rasmus Hojlund?” he continued. “He might have a way of getting the best out of him.

“He’s already on the books at the football club, so Hojlund will come into Carrick’s equation in the summer.”

Hojlund arrived at Manchester United with huge expectations after his move from Atalanta, but his first season was a frustrating one. Despite working tirelessly, goals were hard to come by, and the pressure of leading the line for one of the world’s biggest clubs appeared to weigh heavily on his shoulders.

A move away has clearly helped.

At Napoli, Hojlund looks freer, sharper and far more confident. Conte has given him clear instructions, consistent minutes and trust — something that has allowed his natural strengths to shine. His pace, movement and physical presence have made him a constant problem for Serie A defenders.

Sheringham believes that version of Hojlund could still be valuable for United.

“I don’t care what’s gone on before,” he said. “He’s obviously a top footballer, otherwise he wouldn’t have got to Manchester United in the first place.

“So I would say bring him back in, let’s give him a chance to see where he’s at and see where his mindset is when he comes back.”

The former England international also stressed the importance of mentality, suggesting that United need to find out whether the striker still has the hunger to succeed at Old Trafford.

“We need to find out if he has still got the fire in his belly to play for Manchester United,” Sheringham added. “Does he think he’s good enough himself? Does he want it?

“You go from there.”

With United struggling for consistency in front of goal this season, the idea of recalling a striker already owned by the club is becoming more appealing. The Red Devils have often lacked movement in the box, while Hojlund’s recent displays in Italy show exactly the kind of energy and directness they have missed.

Sheringham also pointed out that uncertainty around the club’s long-term managerial future could work in Hojlund’s favour.

“There’s a different manager in charge now, and there could be another different one in the summer who has a whole new outlook,” he said. “So why not?”

The praise does not stop with Sheringham.

Former Napoli star Gianfranco Zola recently revealed just how impressed club officials have been with the Dane’s impact since his arrival.

“Hojlund is driving everyone crazy, even people at Manchester United,” Zola told Gazzetta dello Sport last month.

“After McTominay left because of Erik ten Hag’s reckless decisions, they let go of a striker like that.”

Those comments underline just how highly Hojlund’s form is being rated in Italy. Napoli supporters have quickly embraced him, with his work rate and willingness to battle for every ball fitting perfectly with Conte’s demanding style.

Statistically, his improvement is clear. Alongside his 10 goals, Hojlund has increased his shot accuracy, makes more sprints per match, and is far more involved in link-up play compared to his time in England. He is not just scoring — he is leading the line.

Napoli’s Champions League hopes remain finely balanced. Their exit from this season’s competition was a setback, but they currently sit fourth in Serie A, one point above Juventus. If they finish in the top four, the clause in Hojlund’s deal could force a permanent transfer.

That puts Manchester United in a difficult position.

Do they allow a revitalised striker to slip away — or do they act before it is too late?

For now, Hojlund’s focus remains on maintaining his fine form. He will look to add to his goal tally this weekend when Napoli host Fiorentina, another key match in the race for Champions League qualification.

But back in Manchester, the conversation is growing louder.

With goals, confidence and belief restored, Rasmus Hojlund may finally be showing the player United hoped they signed — and Teddy Sheringham believes the club should not ignore that any longer.