Kevin De Bruyne Just Compared This Ex-Manchester United Player to Erling Haaland

Kevin De Bruyne Just Compared This Ex-Manchester United Player to Erling Haaland

It is strange how much can happen in a year. Scratch that, it's strange how much can happen in just a month.

Football is a game of ups and downs; we all know this, but Rasmus Hojlund's turnaround is the best we have seen from an ex-Manchester United player since, well, Scott McTominay.

Now, both former United players are teammates again at Italian side Napoli. McTominay himself won the Serie A MVP last season and placed 18th in this year's Ballon d’Or.

But just a little over a month ago, it looked like Hojlund would be spending most of his time this season trying to break his way back into the Manchester United starting XI.

Now, he has scored three goals in five games this season, with two of those goals coming last night against Sporting Club in the Champions League.

New signing, Kevin De Bruyne, a former rival of Hojlund, has been so impressed by the Dane’s striking ability that after supplying two perfectly-weighted assists in the win over Sporting, he said: “I think Rasmus is growing a lot and is very similar to Haaland. They both like to attack the depth.”

🚨🚨🎙️| Kevin de Bruyne on Rasmus Hojlund:

“I think Rasmus is growing a lot and is very similar to Haaland. They both like to attack the depth.

“Hojlund comes to play the ball towards us more, he needs to attack the space a lot because he can score and give us a big hand.” pic.twitter.com/bCSMsvu3TV

— centredevils. (@centredevils) October 2, 2025

Whether De Bruyne truly meant those words—or if he is just trying to stick the knife in deeper to his former rivals—there is a truth behind his words.

Not only does Hojlund look rejuvenated in Italy, but he also seems happier. The Dane has always had a taste for cheeky Instagram captions, but it’s been 21 long weeks since his last one, back when United beat Athletic Club 3-0.

😂 Rasmus Højlund on Instagram: "First time a group of lads from Manchester leave Spain with a clean sheet." #mufc pic.twitter.com/N9bIXjrYe1

— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) May 1, 2025

Last night, Hojlund could not resist quipping: “Hojlund scores twice in the Champions League after two assists from Kevin de Bruyne” was not on my 2025 bingo card.”

📲 Rasmus Højlund via Instagram:

“Højlund scores twice in the Champions League after two assists from Kevin de Bruyne” was not on my 2025 bingo card.#MUFC pic.twitter.com/5r0qIdkuvi

— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) October 1, 2025

Another United Glow-Up

It's suffice to say that Hojlund did not dominate during his United stint. 26 goals in 95 games is a poor return for any striker, but when you include his £64 million price tag, it looks even more underwhelming.

But under the Italian sun, he is starting to sizzle.

A debut winner against Fiorentina? Check.

A double in the Champions League? Check.

Rasmus Hojlund is the MOTM of the Napoli vs. Sporting game. ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/7TowlMkdN5

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) October 1, 2025

Linking up with former Manchester United and City players? Check.

And Hojlund is not the first United player to find his spark away from Old Trafford. We have already mentioned Scott McTominay, but players such as Angel Di Maria, Romelu Lukaku, Memphis Depay and Anthony Elanga all left Manchester only to look sharper, freer, and far more effective in new colours.

If Hojlund keeps his form up, he will certainly join this group of ever-growing players.

Sesko’s Slow Start

One of the biggest reasons for Hojlund’s departure was the arrival of Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian joined the Red Devils for a minimum fee of £66.3 million—a mere £2 million more than Hojlund’s cost.

But so far, Sesko is yet to hit the ground running.. He has hype, he can leap better than any other player, and he has huge potential. But as of now, the GIF is buffering, not loading.

Only time will tell if he can truly live up to that ‘hype’, but as it stands, his one goal in seven games simply is not enough.

Veredict - With a Dash of REDgret

As it stands, De Bruyne’s comparison is mainly flattery, but there is a sense of truth behind it. Hojlund is not on Haaland’s level; very few players are. But his performances show that the young 22-year-old striker still has a lot of room to improve.

Maybe in a few years, we will genuinely be comparing him to Haaland. But for now, Hojlund has to tend to his garden, let his flowers bloom, and become the best possible player he can.

To spite his former club? Sure, that’s decent motivation. But the real truth is that he is thriving because he is not in Manchester anymore.