Liverpool’s Andy Robertson has said Scott McTominay has proved Manchester United was “wrong” to sell the player last summer after an excellent first season at Napoli.
The midfielder moved to the Serie A club in August 2024 and, in his first season, was voted the league’s MVP in 2024/25 as Napoli secured the title. His 12 goals and six assists played a vital part in that, including an outrageous bicycle kick against Cagliari on the final weekend of the campaign that secured top spot.
Unsurprisingly, McTominay has become a fan favorite in Naples. His shirt from that win over Cagliari recently sold at auction for just over £20K ($27K).
Robertson, his international team also praised McTominay’s impact and said it underlines that United made a mistake in casting him aside last summer.
“I think he went over there with a point to prove,” said the Scotland skipper ahead of Friday’s friendly against Iceland.
“I think he wanted to prove Man United wrong and prove people in the Premier League wrong.
Andy Robertson and Caoimhin Kelleher celebrate after Liverpool wins the Premier League title
Robertson, like McTominay, ended the season as a title-winner. (Image: Getty Images)
“He has gone over there and done that pretty successfully. That’s credit to him, credit to his attitude and his determination to be the best version of himself.”
United was keen to force a transfer last summer, with McTominay’s status as an academy graduate meaning he was particularly valuable on the club’s PSR calculations, which would help provide funds for recruitment.
That was despite McTominay scoring several important goals for the Red Devils in the previous season, including winners against Brentford, Chelsea and Aston Villa. Therefore, there was something of a redemption arc to the 28-year-old’s successes in Italy this season
A flag depicting Scott McTominay is held up by the Napoli supporters.
Scott McTominay has become a hugely popular figure in Naples.
“Now he is a king over there,” said Robertson. “At Man United he probably lacked getting that run of games consistently, he was in and out and things like that.’
“He probably didn’t get the respect he deserved. Then he goes over there, puts in a magnificent season and, fair play to him, to end it with the league title.
“Even before he was at Napoli, his standards for Scotland were unbelievable. He’s getting better and better, he has taken it to a whole new level.”
Andrew Robertson celebrates scoring Scotland's late winner during the UEFA Nations League match in Poland on November 18 2024
Robertson has earned 80 Scotland caps. (Image: WOJTEK RADWANSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
At international level, McTominay has impressed for several years and has provided 11 goals from his last 23 caps.
He is also among the plethora of players who have thrived since leaving United in recent years, along with Antony, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Anthony Elanga.
As for Robertson, he is expected to start at left-back for Scotland on Friday, which would be his 81st senior cap. The Liverpool defender recently joked that he has Sir Kenny Dalglish’s record of 102 Scotland appearances in his sights.