Scott McTominay left Manchester United as a back-up midfield option and has evolved into a leader at Napoli.
The Manchester United academy graduate was one of 10 players sold by Ineos in the summer as part of a wider squad overhaul.
Scott McTominay was sold to Napoli for £25m, and as he was an academy star he provided pure profit for United’s PSR calculations.
At the time it was seen as a good value deal for a rotation player, but United may regret selling McTominay after watching him thrive in Italy.
McTominay is close to matching his goal record at Napoli and is becoming a key player as they challenge for the Serie A title.
Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Scott McTominay’s new nickname at Napoli is brilliant
Without even completing a full season in Naples, McTominay is adored by Napoli fans and it’s easy to see why.
McTominay’s work rate is incredible, and he has broken records for the distance he has covered in Napoli’s midfield this season. His attitude at Old Trafford was always immaculate and he never shied away from a challenge.
Those same characteristics have been appreciated by Napoli fans, who have nicknamed Scott McTominay ‘Braveheart’ according to The Athletic.
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A nod to his Scottish heritage but also to his new role as a leader in this Napoli side.
On a few occasions, McTominay captained Manchester United and he certainly showed signs of being a team leader – at Napoli he is embracing that responsibility.
Why Scott McTominay would have been perfect for Ruben Amorim
Ironically, United will likely dip into the market to sign a new midfielder this summer with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen facing uncertain futures.
McTominay was sold to fund the Manuel Ugarte deal, and the Uruguayan has been a brilliant buy for United this season – but Ruben Amorim’s system would be perfect for the two to play alongside each other.
Since arriving in England, Amorim has stressed the importance of physicality in the Premier League and that will be a focus for any new signings arriving in the summer.
READ MORE: Scott McTominay handed hardest pill to swallow yet at Napoli since leaving Manchester United, lacked ‘nastiness’
McTominay – like Ugarte – can cover so much distance during a match and he is also brilliant in duels thanks to his physique. After selling McTominay for £25m, United are now on the lookout for a midfielder with an identical profile – and they will likely cost much more than £25m.
There have been concerns over Kobbie Mainoo’s physicality, and he is another United academy star who could well leave in the near future.