Napoli's European Night: Hojlund Shines as United's Stars Spark Elsewhere

Napoli's European Night Fueled by Hojlund

Rasmus Hojlund stole the spotlight by signaling Napoli's crest on his shirt while guiding the team to a 2-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon, earning the Man of the Match award on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, three former Manchester United stars claimed individual honors across Europe, highlighting a sharp contrast between the Red Devils’ current form and what those who left can still achieve.

Hojlund answered the doubters in practical terms. The Danish striker, who joined United for 72 million pounds but saw his place tweaked after United signed Benjamin Sesko from Leipzig at the start of the season, continued to shine in Napoli’s colors.

He scored twice to lead Napoli to the win at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium. His first came in the 36th minute after a precise through-ball from Belgian star Kevin De Bruyne, and early in the second half Napoli retook the lead when De Bruyne delivered a superb cross that Hojlund headed home decisively.

De Bruyne did not hesitate to compare Hojlund with his former City teammate Erling Haaland, saying after the match, "We deserved the win today. I waited for the right moment to play the through ball for the opener, and Rasmus did the rest." He added, "I think Rasmus is developing a lot and is Haaland-like in many ways; both love finding space. Hojlund perhaps drops back a bit more to receive, but he always attacks the space because he can score and help us a lot."

Hojlund, 22, now has 3 goals in his first 5 appearances for Napoli since joining on loan with an obligation to buy for 38 million pounds.

Elanga Shines with Newcastle

Not only Hojlund lit up the night. Sweden international Anthony Elanga, who left United for Nottingham Forest in 2023 before moving to Newcastle United for 55 million pounds, played a pivotal role in Newcastle’s 4-0 thrashing of Union Saint-Gilles, delivering the assist that set up the opening goal after a cross rebound from Sandro Tonali, and also earning a penalty later in the game after a foul by Fidy Lisen.

Sabitzer Stakes a Claim with Dortmund

Marcel Sabitzer, whose stint at Manchester United in 2023 was hampered by injuries, returned to influence with Borussia Dortmund. The Austria international was named Man of the Match as Dortmund beat Athletic Bilbao 4-1.

Rashford Shines with Barcelona

Marcus Rashford, on loan at Barcelona this season, continued his excellent form, assisting the opener for Barca against Paris Saint‑Germain (1-2) with a quick ground pass to Ferran Torres in the 19th minute, increasing his goal involvement tally to six in six appearances. Paris Saint‑Germain eventually turned the game around, but Rashford remained a constant threat before the substitution window opened with 20 minutes to go.

United’s Troubled Start

In contrast, Manchester United have begun the season under manager Rubén Amorim with a disappointing run. They sit 14th in the Premier League after six games, with two wins, three losses, and a single draw. The pressure on Amorim grows ahead of a clash with Sunderland on Saturday at Old Trafford, even though United historically fare well against newly promoted sides—albeit with a long stretch since their last loss against a promoted team. A collapse could have serious implications for Amorim and his future with the club.

Wednesday night in Europe reminded everyone that Old Trafford is no longer the sole stage for emerging talents. Hojlund shines with Napoli, Elanga rises with Newcastle, Rashford makes waves with Barcelona, and Sabitzer proves his value with Dortmund, while United wrestles with identity and results in the domestic league.

Humor break: If United’s defense was a stealth mission, the attackers would have no targets—fortunately, Europe’s scouting radar still has a sense of humor. And punchline number two: the only thing United are chasing is a consistent plan—preferably one that doesn’t disappear at the first sign of a good press. Punchline delivered, sniper-style: a good joke lands, a good defense vanishes, and a good United performance—well, that might require a lot more than luck and a new playbook.