Man Utd’s first summer transfer already confirmed as INEOS bank extra £38m | Football | Sport

Napoli have announced they will permanently sign Manchester United cast-off Rasmus Hojlund this summer. The Italian champions are set to trigger the £38million release clause in the striker’s contract. It is understood the Danish international has already put pen to paper on an improved long-term deal with Napoli.

Hojl23-year-oldthe Italian club on a season-long loan last summer, having failed to make his mark at Old Trafford. The 23-year-old arrived at United from Atalanta for £76m back in 2023, but went on to earn the unwanted distinction of being one of the club’s costliest disappointments.

He mustered just 26 goals in 95 appearances across all competitions before United opted to cut their losses on the forward and allow him to seek pastures new. Since arriving in Naples, however, Hojlund has flourished, netting 11 times in 30 Serie A outings for Antonio Conte’s side.

Napoli must secure Champions League qualification in order to sign Hojlund at the agreed price. Yet though they have not mathematically secured that, currently sitting second behind Inter Milan, sporting director Giovanni Manna has insisted his club will pursue the deal regardless.

He said: “There are no doubts. Rasmus will stay here. We have an obligation to buy from Manchester United, in case of Champions League access, but he is in our plans regardless of this condition.”

United have meanwhile rejected claims the club has reached an agreement with the Brazilian Football Confederation to rest Matheus Cunha for the remainder of the season.

Reports had suggested Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti wanted Cunha in peak condition for the World Cup – and had requested United leave him out of their final three league fixtures.

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However, United have firmly dismissed such suggestions – insisting no discussions have taken place with Ancelotti and his staff in South America. The Red Devils have made it abundantly clear that Cunha will still play a pivotal role in the closing stages of their campaign.

Despite United having already secured Champions League qualification with games to spare, interim manager Michael Carrick is determined to ensure his side round off the season in strong fashion.

United still have a third-place finish within their sights, which would be worth approximately £50m in prize money to the Premier League giants. There is also the not insignificant matter of Carrick looking to strengthen his case for being handed the manager’s role on a full-time basis.

Carrick remains the frontrunner, with United expected to reach a decision within the next four weeks. Cunha has been excellent in his debut season at United, following last summer’s £62.5m arrival from Wolves.

The attacking midfielder has netted nine times in 27 league starts, helping United secure their return to European football’s top tier.

The 26-year-old has earned 21 international caps since making his debut in 2021, and is anticipated to be named in Ancelotti’s squad for the World Cup in North America, which commences in fewer than five weeks’ time.