Antonio Conte has noticed a clear change in Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund since they joined Napoli, compared to their time at Manchester United.
The pair were both in the line-up for Napoli as they took on Bologna in the Italian Super Cup on Monday. The match, held at the King Saud University Stadium, saw them play 90 minutes each for Conte’s team.
The victory came thanks to a brace from David Neres, who played a big part in deciding the match. The Brazilian winger, now 28, scored both goals for Napoli against Serie A side Bologna.
Napoli and Bologna contested the final of the Italian Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, having advanced by defeating AC Milan and Inter Milan, respectively, in the semi-finals.
Antonio Conte on why Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund struggled for minutes at Manchester United
Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay reunited in Serie A ahead of the 2025-26 campaign after the Danish striker joined Napoli on loan.
The move came late in the window after Manchester United brought in Benjamin Sesko, with Hojlund having slipped down Ruben Amorim’s pecking order.
The 22-year-old struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford, with limited opportunities to prove himself under the new manager.
After Napoli’s win over Bologna, Conte spoke about why both players had not been featuring regularly for their former club.
“If we look at how many chances we created, we could have been far more effective,” the Italian manager said (via Manchester Evening News).
“We played a great match in every aspect.
“The first goal was a moment of brilliance from a champion; the other situations were carefully designed to put the opponents under pressure with many players around the box.
“Hojlund and McTominay were not playing at Manchester United, so there must be a reason, given the work done by me and my staff.
“I believe our job is to expand a player’s knowledge and make him stronger.”
Antonio Conte likens Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund to other players he has coached
Rasmus Hojlund’s loan deal with Napoli came with a clause that could see the club sign him permanently for £38m in 2026, provided certain conditions are met.
Scott McTominay has been at Napoli since 2024, having moved from Manchester United for a £25.7m fee.
The midfielder left Old Trafford during Erik ten Hag’s time in charge, following the arrival of Manuel Ugarte.
Conte drew parallels between the development of Hojlund and McTominay under his coaching and the progress made by other players he has managed throughout his career.
“I invest a lot in that, and I think every player I have worked with has always come out improved technically, tactically and mentally.
“We lacked clinical finishing against a strong team, but it remains a great performance, and I can only be happy and proud,” he concluded.
This season, the Denmark international has appeared 19 times for Napoli, generating seven goals and three assists.
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