Calls for Scott McTominay to secure a return to Old Trafford have been made by an ex-Manchester United star
Scott McTominay
Could Scott McTominay really return to Manchester United?(Image: SSC NAPOLI via Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick has been told to re-sign Scott McTominay because of the "opportunity" afforded to them by Manchester United's coaching situation.
Carrick has the reigns until the end of the season following the sacking of Ruben Amorim. The 44-year-old has made a successful start to his second United stint after leading his side to a 2-0 victory over Manchester City last weekend.
With United expected to appoint a permanent manager in the summer, it remains to be seen what the long-term direction of the club looks like with regards to transfers, both incoming and outgoing.
Despite the uncertainty, former United striker Giuseppe Rossi is convinced Carrick should get going on a deal for Napoli's McTominay to make a stunning return to Old Trafford, over a year since his £25million move to the Serie A side.
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Speaking to OLBG, the ex-Italy international said Carrick's temporary stint in charge affords him the opportunity to allure McTominay back to his boyhood club. He explained: "Bring back Scott McTominay! You can’t get a player now and then change for a different player in the summer.
Michael Carrick gestures to fans
Michael Carrick enjoyed a winning start to life as Manchester United manager(Image: Copa, Getty Images)
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"It’s all up to the coach. I feel that’s all up in the air. You can’t really go out and start buying players if you know the coaching situation yet. I always say McTominay because he would actually be a good player for Manchester United at this moment."
Whether the Scotland international would accept a return to United is another matter given the overwhelming success he's achieved since his move to Naples. Alongside winning the league last season, he was voted Serie A MVP and nominated for the Ballon d'Or for the first time in his career.
Last year, McTominay opened up about the narrative that players who've left Old Trafford usually flourish elsewhere, as he admitted the increase in form from players is usually related to them having a bigger role at their new club.
Scott McTominay of Napoli celebrates his goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy.
Scott McTominay has reignited his career at Napoli(Image: Getty Images)
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"It's just to easy of an excuse to say they left Man United and now they're doing well," McTominay said to CBS Sports. "Last year, I did well -- I scored 10 goals and we won a trophy. With Marcus, there were obviously different issues that might have transpired which we won't go into, but Marcus is a top player and he's always been a top player.
"He's one of the club's legends, scored so many goals for Man United and done so many great things. Because the spotlight is directly on you, it makes it seem a lot worse in my opinion.
"Obviously when players go away and they're playing more games, they're going to have an increase in confidence, they're going to feel better about themselves than when you're playing less minutes at Man United. But when you are at Man United you have to earn those minutes, like Bruno Fernandes who's done incredible."