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From Manchester United reject to hero of Naples

Midfielder's transformation under Conte has turned him a Serie A MVP and Napoli legend

2 MIN READ

Midfielder Scott McTominay has made a massive transformation for Napoli this season.

AFP

Many Manchester United fans were happy to see Scott McTominay leave the club. Despite his academy pedigree, the Scotland international had struggled to establish himself as more than a squad player, often used in roles that didn’t suit his strengths. A tireless worker, always ready to give his best in any position, McTominay was ultimately offloaded to free up funds and meet profit and sustainability rules — a pure profit sale of a homegrown player.

But United overlooked a crucial truth: a winning squad needs players like him. The kind who gives everything on the pitch without demanding the spotlight. The kind who lives by the motto: give it your all, no matter the circumstances.

The vision of a serial winner

What Manchester United failed to recognise, Antonio Conte saw instantly. The Italian serial winner arrived at Napoli last summer after the club had finished 10th in Serie A. He demanded the signing of McTominay from United, along with several other additions.

Conte didn’t view McTominay as just another defensive midfielder. In fact, he abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation to make the most of his new squad. In a dynamic 4-3-3 system, Conte unleashed McTominay as a box-to-box force — and Napoli went on to win the Scudetto on the final gameweek.

McFratm, the hero of Neapolitans

McTominay, now 28, was the hero of that decisive match, putting Napoli ahead against Cagliari with a stunning bicycle kick at a packed Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. In a venue that once echoed with the magic of the “Deity of Naples,” who brought the club their first two titles in the 1980s, the Neapolitans erupted. This time, it was “McFratm” — the local nickname for McTominay, meaning “McBro” — entering the history books.

The adaptation

The Scot’s transformation in Italy has been nothing short of spectacular. Given the freedom to burst forward and exploit space in the final third, McTominay thrived. He became a Serie A sensation, clocking 18 goal involvements across the season with a mix of precise timing and efficiency. His runs from deep and instinctive finishing made him a nightmare for defenders.

Crucial goals against title rivals Inter Milan, Torino, Monza, and Cagliari further cemented his place as a Napoli icon.

Into the history books

Being named Serie A’s Most Valuable Player is vindication — for both the footballer and the manager who knew how to use him. McTominay’s story is a reminder that sometimes it’s not about the player, but the environment. The same can be said of Romelu Lukaku, another Conte disciple who has rediscovered his best form in Naples.

But it’s McTominay — once written off as a Manchester reject — who has truly etched his name into Napoli history. The £25 million spent on him? Money well spent. He will forever be remembered as the man who helped deliver the club’s fourth Scudetto.

— From code to kick-off: Gulf News’ Mohammed Shamsheer spends his weekdays in DevOps and weekends watching football — a proud Chelsea supporter through and through.

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