Scott McTominay has flourished since leaving Manchester United for Napoli in the summer of 2024
Scott McTominay of Napoli competes for the ball with Ederson of Atalanta during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Atalanta BC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 22, 2025 in Naples, Italy.
Scott McTominay has been one of Serie A's outstanding performers since moving to Italy
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Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo believes ex-Red Devils midfielder Scott McTominay possesses precisely the qualities that manager Ruben Amorim desperately requires at Old Trafford. The 28-year-old netted a stunning opener during Scotland's 4-2 victory against Denmark this month and played a pivotal role in guiding the Tartan Army to their first World Cup since 1998.
His remarkable bicycle kick capped off an exceptional 12 months for the midfielder. Following his departure from United to join Napoli in 2024, he secured the Serie A title and even received recognition with a Ballon d'Or nomination.
Whilst United parted ways with the player, his outstanding displays may now have the club questioning their choice to offload him, particularly as Amorim is understood to be making a new midfielder his top priority.
An attempted move for Brighton's Carlos Baleba collapsed during the summer window, whilst speculation continues linking the club with Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, both targets who would command substantial transfer fees.
Yet Ighalo, 36, is convinced the player United released possesses exactly what Amorim urgently requires at present. The Red Devils currently sit 10th in the Premier League standings following an erratic campaign.
"Scott McTominay is an interesting one because I think everything with him was just around timing," Ighalo told Ladbrokes at the launch of Ladisfaction.
"You know, he's doing so well since he left the club, but he had to leave because there were just too many players in his position around the place at the time."
Scott McTominay of Scotland scores an overhead kick
Scott McTominay scored a stunning goal for Scotland against Denmark
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Highlighting four crucial qualities McTominay brings to the table, he added: "It's funny because his style is probably something which Man United need now; he runs, he tackles, he works hard and he scores goals. He's a very humble guy who fits Man United's way of playing.
"His goal for Scotland last week was incredible... It's the kind of thing Cristiano Ronaldo does! What a goal; it was unbelievable. I can't say I ever saw him do anything like that in training at United, but he used to love to shoot and was always trying new things, so it didn't surprise me he scored it in that respect.
"He's the kind of player who will shoot from anywhere; he's so quick with his thinking and will happily take shots on first time, rather than controlling the ball and slowing things down."
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, Odion Ighalo of Manchester United warm up ahead of a pre-season friendly match between Aston Villa and Manchester United at Villa Park on September 12, 2020 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Scott McTominay and Odion Ighalo were team-mates at United(Image: 2020 Manchester United FC)
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Much like McTominay, Ighalo unexpectedly became a beloved figure amongst United supporters. Arriving on loan from Shanghai Shenhua in January 2020, the Nigerian striker captured hearts at Old Trafford, largely due to his infectious personality.
In his debut MUTV interview, Ighalo even disclosed that he accepted reduced wages to join United, such was his devotion to the club. The forward netted five times in 23 outings, earning himself a special place in supporters' affections with his name echoing around the Old Trafford stands.
"It's so hard to see this dream come to an end," Ighalo wrote when his loan spell concluded in January 2021. "But I give God the glory for helping me fulfil this lifelong dream of putting on a Manchester United shirt as a player and represent this great club, it was indeed an honour I will forever cherish and be grateful for."
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