Scott McTominay has enjoyed a remarkable year after winning the Serie A title with Napoli and scoring the goal that sent Scotland to the World Cup
Scott McTominay of Scotland looks on during the UEFA World Cup qualification match between Scotland and Denmark at Hamden Park, Glasgow, Scotland on November 18, 2025. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Scott McTominay has been in stunning form for Napoli and Scotland(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Former Manchester United star Scott McTominay once humbly expressed his gratitude for being lauded by Sir Alex Ferguson, describing it as a "huge honour". The 28-year-old Napoli midfielder, who scored a spectacular opening goal in Scotland's 4-2 triumph over Denmark on Tuesday, has been instrumental in leading Scotland to their first World Cup since 1998.
McTominay's breathtaking overhead kick was the cherry on top of an extraordinary year for him. After leaving United in 2024, he clinched the Serie A title and even earned a nomination for the Ballon d'Or.
Despite being deemed surplus to requirements at United, the Scottish ace's stellar performances might have the Red Devils ruing their decision to let him go.
McTominay, who joined United at just five years old, was highly regarded by Sir Alex, who predicted that the young Scot would achieve great things at Old Trafford,
"Scott McTominay is now emerging as one of Man United's big players," Ferguson told the Scottish FA in 2021. "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."
Ferguson added: "McTominay is of a similar type to Darren [Fletcher] - long, lanky, good winner of the ball and a good turn of pace going forward, a great attitude to the game. All these attitudes that Darren Fletcher had, he's got them.
"Even if you go back to my time with Darren, I very seldom left him out of big games. McTominay is going forward on those guidelines that Darren pursued for a long time at United."
Young Scott McTominay with Sir Alex Ferguson
A young Scott McTominay with Sir Alex Ferguson(Image: Reach Plc)
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Upon receiving such glowing praise from Ferguson, McTominay demonstrated his grounded nature, saying: "My dad was telling me. It's obviously such a huge honour to be spoken about by someone like Sir Alex, never mind the nice things he was saying about us and Scotland.
"For me, it's a chance to keep pushing and a chance to not stop pushing forwards, hopefully making everyone proud of me."
Following Sir Alex's hospitalisation in November 2018 after falling ill, McTominay also expressed his admiration for the legendary former United chief.
: Scott McTominay of Scotland scores an overhead kick
Scott McTominay scored a stunning goal for Scotland against Denmark(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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After Scotland's triumph over Israel secured their Euro 2020 spot, he said: "That was one of Scotland's most important victories and it's dedicated to Sir Alex. Whenever I see him at the United games, I speak to him. He's always up for a chat with me."
McTominay left United in August 2024 for £25.7million. The United boss at the time, Erik ten Hag, indicated he would have liked to keep the Scottish midfielder at the club.
"It is a little bit mixed," Ten Hag admitted when questioned 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."
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