Scott McTominay in action for Napoli.
Scott McTominay is showing his true talent at Napoli this season.
When Scott McTominay was at Manchester United, he didn't get the recognition that he deserved. Over 250 appearances for the club, and a series of important goals, the midfielder always seemed to be frowned upon.
After being given his senior debut in 2017 by Jose Mourinho, McTominay further established himself under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the midfield pivot. Under Erik ten Hag, he played further forward, becoming Mr. Reliable for United in key moments.
His long-distance goal against Manchester City in 2020 is a favourite among supporters, as are his brace against Leeds United, last-gasp goals against Brentford and late winner at Aston Villa.
Last season, the Scotland international demonstrated his quality as an attacking midfielder, making late runs into the box. However, Ten Hag - or at least key figures behind the scenes - sanctioned his move to Napoli, a deal that received a sceptical reception, to leave United short in midfield.
A transfer fee of £25.7million was received from the Italian side - while McTominay has proven his doubters wrong once more. Seven goals and four assists in Naples have led to the 28-year-old winning the hearts of the fans at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
McTominay has been added to the list of players that have moved away from Old Trafford and enjoyed success. Marcus Rashford's form at Aston Villa has mocked Amorim and Anthony Elanga's superb solo goal against United questioned the decision to let him leave in 2023.
Scott McTominay holding the FA Cup alongside the now-sacked Erik ten Hag. (Image: The FA via Getty Images)
In his fresh, in-depth interview with The Athletic, McTominay has now opened up about his time in Manchester, explaining how he felt mis-profiled at the start of his spell in the first-team as a deeper midfielder. At times, the feeling among supporters - and those outside the club - was that McTominay wasn't good enough to start every game for such a massive outfit.
Now, nearly a year since his departure, United could definitely do with him. "My mentality was that I was always there, ready to go, ready to take my opportunity," he said.
"I always wanted to prove my worth - to show I could play every game. It's not the sort of thing that affects me. You can only be in control of what you do.”
Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo, when fit, are United's preferred midfield pivot, despite Bruno Fernandes' fine performances in a deeper role. However, behind them are Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.
The two veterans, both 33, have been slammed at times this season. They don't fit Amorim's system and they aren't up to the speed needed to perform at the highest level anymore. McTominay is but knows, more than anyone, how hard it can be to be accepted.
"It's Manchester United. You have to be ready," he added. "Fans won't tolerate anyone who isn't ready. You could play 10 or 40 or 50 games and be moved on just because you're not ready at that moment, so you have to go and learn and improve.
"I was fortunate to play 250 games, to win the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, but I wanted to win more. You always want to win." How United could do with that mindset right now.
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