McTominay could be set for Man Utd link-up if striker deal goes through

Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund could soon reunite with Scott McTominay as Napoli have stepped up their interest in him after Romelu Lukaku’s thigh injury.

Napoli boss Antonio Conte is searching for urgent attacking reinforcements and reports in Italy suggest the Serie A champions are exploring a loan deal with an option to buy. `

Napoli view the Danish forward as a ready-made Champions League addition who could slot straight into Conte’s high-intensity system.

For United, the approach comes at a time when Højlund’s status at Old Trafford has never looked more fragile.

Left out of the matchday squad entirely for the Premier League opener against Arsenal, the 22-year-old has slipped behind new arrivals Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha in Rúben Amorim’s plans.

Even more telling was the revelation, via the Manchester Evening News, that Scott McTominay had been considered as a makeshift striker ahead of Højlund if selection problems persisted.

It marks a remarkable fall from grace for a player signed for £72 million just two summers ago.

While Højlund showed flashes of promise, his overall return of 14 league goals in 62 appearances has failed to convince supporters or coaches that he can be the focal point of United’s attack.

Amorim’s emphasis on pressing, fluid movement, and technical link-up play has only deepened the sense that Højlund may be stylistically misaligned with the project.

Napoli’s interest, however, could offer the forward a fresh start. Conte has long admired Højlund’s physical attributes and direct running, seeing him as an ideal stopgap—and possibly longer-term—solution while Lukaku recovers.

AC Milan are also circling, with their sporting director hinting that a loan arrangement would appeal. Back in England, Fulham have been linked should they lose Rodrigo Muniz, while even former club Atalanta are said to be monitoring developments.

United are believed to be open to negotiations around the £40 million mark, a cut from their initial outlay but one that would free up funds for reinforcements in more pressing areas, such as goalkeeper.

For Højlund, a move to Serie A could revive his stalled career. For United, his departure would underline the ruthlessness of Amorim’s rebuild, where reputation and past investment count for little against present performance.