Man Utd star left 'heartbroken' by deadline day transfer

Former Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund was left "heartbroken" after he was shipped out of Old Trafford and sent on loan to Napoli. The Dane arrived on the red side of Manchester two summers prior, joining from Atalanta in a seismic £72million deal.

Despite some bright moments for the Scandinavian forward, his time with United was a disappointment for both parties. Hojlund, 22, pledged to remain with the Red Devils and fight for his place during the club's pre-season tour of the USA. However, with United spending close to £200m on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, the writing was on the wall for the Danish international. He secured a transfer deadline day move to defending Serie A champions Napoli, becoming the third former United player to join the club alongside Scott McTominay - who has since earned a Ballon d'Or nomination after arriving last year - and Romelu Lukaku, whose injury prompted Antonio Conte's side to move for Hojlund.

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Hojlund arrived in Naples on a season long loan which will see the Serie A heavyweights sign him permanently for £38m if they qualify for the Champions League. According to the Athletic, Hojlund was "heartbroken" by his United exit.

At the end of July, Hojlund said: "The most important [thing] for me is to keep working hard and stay focused and then we'll see what happens. My plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot."

However, United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox and Amorim all decided it was best for Hojlund to leave. He ended up becoming a member of United's so-called 'bomb squad' of players, which included Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia, who were all training separately from the first team.

It was a heartbreaking end for Hojlund, who grew up as a United fan. Moreover, the outlet also claims he believed he could convince Amorim he was a better player than Sesko, if he was allowed to fight for his place.

Unfortunately for the now ex-United forward, Amorim or the United board were not willing to give him the opportunity. He departed Old Trafford having contributed 26 goals and six assists in 92 appearances in all competitions.

The way in which he was effectively strong-armed out of the club demonstrates a new ruthless approach at United, when it comes to selling players. Other members of the 'Bomb Squad' also found moves in the final moments of the transfer window.

Sancho was loaned to Aston Villa while Antony moved to Real Betis in a permament deal, after starring the for La Liga side during a six-month loan in the final half of last season. Most significantly, Garnacho, after weeks of speculation, secured a permanent move to Chelsea, joining the west Londoners in a £40m deal.