Denmark manager Brian Riemer has taken a subtle swipe at Manchester United while defending Rasmus Hojlund’s early-season resurgence, suggesting the striker’s struggles in England were more about his environment than his ability.
Riemer dismissed claims that Hojlund was ill-suited to Premier League football, insisting his impressive form at Napoli is the result of playing in a well-functioning team.
Hojlund, who joined Napoli on loan from United this summer, has hit the ground running in Italy with four goals in his first six matches for the Partenopei.
The 22-year-old striker also carried that momentum into the international break, netting twice and providing an assist in Denmark’s 6–0 rout of Belarus on Thursday.
Hojlund rarely found such consistency during his time at Old Trafford, and Riemer’s comments hint that United’s lack of cohesion, rather than the striker’s shortcomings, was responsible for his struggles last season.
“I think Rasmus has the quality for both [the Premier League and Serie A, without a doubt,” he stated.
“Does he fit in Italian football? Yes. There was no doubt about that, because he had already proven that. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t fit in English football. On the contrary, I would almost say.
“The fact that he is now on a well-functioning team and has players around him who take pride in doing good for others helps to make the outcome for a striker like Rasmus, who needs to be serviced. It is more important than which league you play in.”
Riemer will be hoping Hojlund can continue his lethal scoring form when Denmark take on Greece at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on Sunday, October 12.
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