The 22-year-old moved to Naples in the summer on a season-long loan after a difficult second campaign at Old Trafford. Napoli paid around €6m (£5.2m) for the temporary deal, while securing an option to buy him outright for €44m (£38.4m) a clause that automatically becomes an obligation if Antonio Conte’s side qualify for next season’s Champions League.

And judging by Hojlund’s own words, he appears to be preparing for the long haul in Serie A. Fresh off scoring both goals in a statement 2-1 win over Juventus, Hojlund told DAZN: “Next season, I’ll be giving my interviews in Italian.”

The comment delivered with a grin was interpreted by Napoli supporters as an assurance that he intends to stay, and by United fans as the clearest sign yet that his Old Trafford chapter is closing.

Hojlund arrived at United from Atalanta in 2023 in a £64m deal, hitting 16 goals in his first season but managing only 10 the following year as the club’s form faltered. United sanctioned his loan arrival at Napoli hoping regular football would rebuild his confidence.

It appears to be working. The Danish forward already has six goals across all competitions this term, rediscovering the explosive movement and directness that first caught Europe’s attention.

Reflecting on his upturn, he said: “Sometimes as a striker you don’t score, so I help the team in other ways holding up the ball, pressing, working for the manager. Tonight the goals came, but credit goes to my teammates, the coach and his staff.”

Conte’s influence on his improvement is clear. After scoring against Juventus, Hojlund sprinted straight to members of the coaching staff on the touchline, eager to celebrate with the people he says sharpened his movement inside the box.

“They talked to me a lot about attacking the near post. I’d been drifting to the back post too often. Today I went front post and it paid off, so I’m delighted.”

Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo also lavished praise on the striker, saying: “He’s becoming a real reference point for us. He works, he fights, and he delivers. Two goals tonight, but he gives us so much every match.”

For United, the situation is delicate. While the club retains the option to bring Hojlund back, the activation of Napoli’s purchase clause combined with the player’s growing affection for life in the south of Italy makes a reunion appear increasingly remote.

With Napoli fighting on both domestic and European fronts, and Hojlund central to their resurgence, all signs point to the Dane extending his stay beyond this season. Hojlund will look to continue his rich vein of form as Napoli travel to Benfica in the Champions League before facing Udinese on Sunday.

If his performances and his fluent Italian continue to develop at this pace, Manchester United may soon have to accept that one of their biggest investments has found his future far from Old Trafford.