Sir Alex Ferguson once tipped Scott McTominay for greatness at Manchester United, predicting he would become a 'big player' before his move to Napoli. The midfielder has been in scintillating form, scoring a spectacular opener in Scotland's 4-2 triumph over Denmark. For the first time since 1998, Scotland have secured their place in the World Cup after topping their qualifying group. They clinched their spot in the North American tournament with a thrilling victory over Denmark at Hampden Park.
McTominay opened the scoring with a breathtaking overhead kick and is enjoying a successful year, having won the league title with Napoli. The 28-year-old made the switch to Italy from United in 2024. The midfielder was a product of United's youth system from the tender age of five and was highly regarded by former managers. Ferguson, in particular, saw great potential in him and believed he would achieve remarkable things at Old Trafford before his exit, a decision United may now be ruing.
Back in 2021, when quizzed about McTominay, who was starting to make his mark in the first team and even wore the captain's armband for an FA Cup tie, Ferguson was effusive in his praise. The legendary Scottish manager, who guided United to 13 Premier League titles, hailed McTominay and predicted that he was on course to become, and almost already was, one of the key figures in the squad.
"Scott McTominay is now emerging as one of Man United's big players," Ferguson told the Scottish FA. "When you watch Man United pick their team for a big game, McTominay's name is in it. He's a good character, a great trainer. I know a little bit about the boy and I think that's the background."
Regrettably, McTominay left Old Trafford in August 2024 for a hefty £25.7million. Erik ten Hag, who was at the helm at the time, hinted that he would have liked to keep the Scottish midfielder at the club, but the high value placed on homegrown talents under PSR regulations meant their hands were tied.
"It is a little bit mixed," Ten Hag admitted when asked about McTominay's departure. "I am very happy for him, but it is mixed because I wouldn't prefer to lose him. He is Manchester United in everything. He was so important for Manchester United.
"He was here for over 22 years but unfortunately, it is the rules. Homegrown players bring more value and that is not the right thing to do but for everyone, for all parties, it is a good deal. Scott is happy with it, and Napoli and us."
Fast forward just over a year and McTominay has been named Serie A MVP following his stellar contribution to Napoli's championship win. Now, he's off to the World Cup after a stunning strike and United will be ruing the day they let such a top-level player go.
Following the historic win, Scotland captain and fellow team-mate of McTominay, Andy Robertson, couldn't contain his excitement. He stated: "I'm so glad it's ended up this way. This group of boys, this group of staff, it's the best group I've been involved in.
"The manager's speech before the game was unbelievable. He went through the big moments we've had. Qualifying for the Euros - he couldn't quite remember - we were in Wunderbar. He said 'Let's make it another one.'
"We were quite emotional. To do it for him, the staff and all our families, it'll go down as one of the greatest nights of my life. That just sums up this squad. Never say die.
"We just keep going right to the end and one of the craziest games. We put the country through it, but I'm sure it's worth it. We're going to the World Cup."