Overview
- Marcus Rashford registered his first Barcelona assist in a 6-0 win over Valencia and posted “What a night,” a message liked by Manchester City’s Phil Foden.
- Rasmus Hojlund struck 14 minutes into his Napoli debut in a 3-1 victory at Fiorentina, drawing praise from Antonio Conte, who joked about prior success with Scott McTominay.
- Current and former Manchester United players showed public support on social media for both loanees, with reactions from Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Antony and others.
- Hojlund’s switch to Napoli is a loan with a conditional obligation to buy, and he has quickly linked up with ex-United teammate McTominay before Thursday’s Champions League visit to Manchester City.
- The contrast with United’s poor start has intensified scrutiny of Ruben Amorim, even as reports say the board remains supportive, with Nicky Butt declaring Rashford’s “ship has sailed” after the player’s critique of the club’s “reactionary” approach.