Napoli striker sends brutal reminder to Manchester United in Champions League clash

Last Updated on 2 October 2025

Rasmus Hojlund has quickly become one of Napoli’s most lethal weapons, scoring twice against Sporting Clube de Portugal to seal a crucial Champions League win.

Napoli’s 2-1 triumph in the Champions League at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona came courtesy of Højlund’s sharp finishing.

A great first half performance saw Napoli go into the break with a 1-0 lead thanks to a superb Kevin de Bruyne assist, converted by Hojlund.

Despite Sporting’s equaliser around the hour mark, Napoli restored their lead 11 minutes from time. Once again, with de Bruyne’s delivery being headed in for a winner by the former Manchester United striker.

Rasmus Hojlund’s celebration sends CLEAR message to Manchester United

Hojlund’s opener saw him wheel away in celebration, pointing at the Champions League badge at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

That celebration did not go down particularly well in Manchester. Firstly, because it was clear as day that Hojlund wanted to rub it in to the many doubters at Old Trafford, who replaced him with Benjamin Sesko.

Secondly, as Hojlund scored a brace, proving his worth in Europe’s premier competition, Manchester United aren’t even playing in any European competitions this season.

After collecting his Man of the Match award, Hojlund admitted, reported by Goal, that he loves playing at the highest level. “I celebrated touching the Napoli badge because I’m happy to play here, and the Champions League badge because I love to score in Europe.”

And he’s not the only former United player to shine after leaving Old Trafford. Scott McTominay has enjoyed his time in Naples, while Marcus Rashford has found a new level at Barcelona.

‘He’s cooking United!’ Fans react to Rasmus Hojlund’s celebration

Mainly United fans on X couldn’t believe that another player had managed to look so good right after leaving Old Trafford.

While other fans talked about how Hojlund always seems to turn up for the Champions League.

Most fans linked the celebration to a dig calling out United’s poor treatment of Hojlund, forcing him out.