The 23-year-old striker moved to Old Trafford from Atalanta in 2022 for £64million, plus a potential £8m in add-ons, as he joined the club he grew up supporting.

But Hojlund only scored 14 goals in 62 Premier League appearances and spent this season with Napoli in a loan move that would become permanent if Champions League qualification was secured.

Antonio Conte’s side did that with Sunday’s 3-0 win at Pisa, with the Denmark international on the scoresheet as the 44 million euros (£38m) clause was triggered.

Hojlund posted on Instagram: “This goal felt symbolic because it means two things. We now secured Champions League with Napoli, which means because of my contract I’m now officially a Napoli player and I’m saying goodbye to Manchester United.

“That feels weird, because for the past year I already feel like a Napoli player. The way you fans supported me, made me feel like home and let me find my confidence again is something I’m so grateful for.

“To say goodbye to Manchester United is something that kinda feels emotional too. My childhood dream came true by playing at Old Trafford in a red jersey.

“So the goal today symbolises a new confident start, in which I will give everything for the time ahead to Napoli, and a thank you to all the fans, players and staff of Manchester United who made the dream I had as a kid come true.

“It’s time for new dreams, so let’s chase them.”

Hojlund’s exit comes on the same day as Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia said goodbye to Old Trafford ahead of their contracts expiring this summer.