Scott McTominay left Manchester United for Napoli in 2024 and the midfielder has been in fine form for the Serie A side ever since
Scott McTominay of Napoli celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A match between Monza and Napoli at U-Power Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Monza, Italy.
Scott McTominay has become a star since leaving Manchester United(Image: Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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Gianfranco Zola was stunned by Scott McTominay's departure from Manchester United as the midfielder continues to shine in Serie A with Napoli. McTominay spent 22 years at United, progressing through the youth system before making his first-team debut in 2017.
The Scotland international was part of the senior squad for seven years, lifting the Carabao Cup and FA Cup before his shock move to Italy in 2024. The 29-year-old joined Napoli from United for around £25million, a transfer that proved vital to the club sticking to the financial fair play (FFP) regulations.
Chelsea legend Zola was convinced that FFP restrictions must have influenced McTominay's departure, given the quality United were letting go. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport at the time, the 59-year-old said: "Certain choices will never be understood. I want to think that Manchester United sold him for reasons related to financial fair play.
"Otherwise I really don't get it. He's a complete footballer, he knows how to be on the pitch, he does everything. And he also scores a lot."
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Zola's remarks carry even more weight now as McTominay continues to flourish for both club and country. Given McTominay's homegrown standing at United, it appeared to be an obvious decision for then-manager Erik ten Hag to sell the Scottish midfielder and strengthen the squad elsewhere in 2024.
Manuel Ugarte signed a five-year contract, moving from Paris Saint-Germain to Old Trafford for a fee that could rise to £50m with bonuses. However, this transfer ultimately proved beneficial for Napoli, as McTominay has since netted 22 goals and provided 10 assists in his 67 appearances for the Italian club.
The Scottish international clinched the Serie A title in his debut season in Italy and added the Italian Super Cup to his trophy cabinet this season following a 2-0 victory over Bologna in the final.
Scott McTominay of Scotland celebrates his team's fourth goal scored by Kenny McLean of Scotland (not pictured) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Scotland and Denmark at Hampden Park on November 18, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland.
McTominay has become a hero for Napoli and Scotland(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
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In contrast, Ugarte has scored twice and assisted six times in his 63 appearances for United.
McTominay is set to face English opposition this week when Chelsea, Zola's former team, visit Napoli for Wednesday's Champions League match. Zola's remarks about McTominay's 'completeness' as a footballer seem to hold true, with the 29-year-old earning plaudits for his performances at both club and international level.
In November 2025, the midfielder scored an impressive bicycle kick for Scotland in the opening minutes of their crucial World Cup 2026 qualifier against Denmark. The match ended in a 4-2 victory for the Scots, with McTominay receiving significant praise for his role in helping Scotland qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1998.