Scott McTominay won the Serie A Player of the Year award late on Monday, underlining his success since Manchester United.
He helped fire Napoli to the Serie A title last season, scoring 12 goals and assisting six times. McTominay is also playing an important role in Napoli’s title-charge this season, contributing to four goals already.
During the ceremony, Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna revealed some details of the move from Manchester United. It’s a piece of business he’s obviously proud of, so isn’t against talking about it.
Manna set the ground of the story, saying the Red Devils were initially hesitant.
The Italian told Sky Italia – relayed by Alfredo Pedulla: “We talked about it at the beginning of June last year. The transfer market is long and complicated. We didn’t think United would let him go, but at a certain point they needed to do so, and we were ready.”
Manchester United may look to do similar again
23th December 2023; Stadio Benito Stirpe, Frosinone, Italy; Serie A football; Frosinone versus Juventus; Giovanni Manna of FC Juventus
Manna said once Manchester United had agreed to let McTominay leave, it became an easy deal to conclude.
“It was a quick and simple negotiation. The boy immediately showed his desire to be part of the project and was decisive, as he then demonstrated on the pitch.”
Manna’s comments suggest Manchester United needed to let McTominay leave in order to bring others in. That the midfielder came through the youth system means his transfer fee could be counted entirely as profit.
That’s something Manchester United may consider again with others.
Napoli are interested in signing Kobbie Mainoo in January, although the most recent reports state that would be on a straight loan basis.