Former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has won over the hearts of the club’s supporters with his recent comments.
McTominay left Old Trafford for Napoli in 2024 for a fee of £25.4 million.
He has flourished at Napoli, helping his side win Serie A and claim the prestigious Serie A MVP crown.
In a recent interview with CBS Sports Golazo, McTominay was asked if the Old Trafford environment prevents players from reaching their full potential.
He said: “It’s too easy of an excuse to say they left Man United, and now they’re doing well. In my last year, I did well, scored 10 goals, we won a trophy.
“Because the spotlight lies directly on you, it makes it seem a lot worse.
“In my opinion, when players go away and play a lot more games, they’re going to have an increase in confidence and feel better about themselves rather than playing less minutes at Man United, for example.
“But when you are at Man United, you’ve got to earn those minutes, like Bruno Fernandes, who has done incredibly well, so I think it’s too easy to probably say that.”
McTominay was part of the United set-up since the age of five.
He made his senior debut for the club in 2017 after impressing then-manager Jose Mourinho, who has always spoken glowingly about the Scotland international.
McTominay proved to be a versatile midfielder for United, playing in a double pivot and occasionally operating as a number 10.
He also developed a knack for scoring goals when deployed higher up but never became a guaranteed starter.
The Red Devils sold him when he was entering his prime for two reasons.
Firstly, the club needed financial flexibility, and selling an academy graduate represented pure profit on the balance sheet.
Secondly, McTominay wanted regular playing time, which he would not have received at Old Trafford.
At Napoli, McTominay has embraced greater responsibility and established himself as a talismanic figure at the heart of the side.
Beyond his performances, it is his conduct, on and off the pitch, that continues to set him apart.
In an era where players often take aim at their former clubs, McTominay has chosen dignity and loyalty.
Rather than burning bridges, he stands tall as a lifelong United supporter who is always ready to defend the club that shaped him.