Scott McTominay and Rasmus Højlund should be kissing the feet of Antonio Conte as their careers thrive after Manchester United.
That’s according to Antonio Cassano. His comments on the Viva el Futbol podcast, relayed by Calcio Napoli 1926.
McTominay has been shining at Napoli since joining them from Manchester United last summer. That €30.5m deal has looked like a bargain, with the Scotland star bagging eighteen goals and eight assists in 55 games to date.
He was named Serie A’s most valuable player last season, the AIC Serie A Footballer of the Year, and included in the AIC Serie A Team of the Season as well. He also found himself nominated for the Ballon d’Or.
Højlund’s rise has not been quite as dramatic since joining on loan from Manchester United in the summer transfer window.
That said, he’s certainly been back in form, with six goals and two assists already this season after managing 10 goals and four assists in 52 games for Manchester United last season.
Antonio Conte to thank for resurgence
Antonio Conte
21th Sep 2025; Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, Naples, Italy. Serie A Football Match; Napoli versus Pisa. Antonio Conte head coach of SSC Napoli.
Naples has been a place of resurgence for both. Cassano believes the pair should instead be focusing all their thanks to Antonio Conte.
“McTominay was incredibly lucky to land this coach,” he said.
“He was among the thirty players at the Ballon d’Or. But he’s always been on the bench at Manchester United. He arrived, landed Conte, and now he has to kiss Conte’s feet… wherever Conte walks, McTominay has to stand behind him and kiss him.
“Then he’s putting in his own work: when did you ever think of doing a bicycle kick like Cristiano Ronaldo? Seven metres up, with personality, playing with two in the middle, scoring goals, dribbling… but thanks to Conte!
“And Højlund too, in one move he came back at full speed and took Lang’s place. Incredible.”