Antonio Conte was shocked last summer when Napoli completed the signing of Scott McTominay from Manchester United.
While Manchester United had a disastrous campaign, Scott McTominay was busy winning the Serie A title with Napoli. The Scotland international was also voted the league’s Most Valuable Player after scoring a volley in the final game of the season.
Erik ten Hag didn’t want to sell McTominay, but the Dutchman was sacked by Halloween, despite receiving a contract extension last summer. He was replaced by Ruben Amorim and results worsened, although United remained unbeaten in the Europa League until losing the final 1-0 against Tottenham Hotspur.
Former United goalkeeper Ben Foster argued United lost their soul when they sold McTominay, which shows how much he was rated by some.
McTominay, who sealed a deadline switch to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium following a £25.7 million agreement between the clubs, enjoyed a successful season in Naples.
He left Old Trafford after scoring 10 goals in the 2023/24 season, but his exit counted as ‘pure profit’ towards the profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
The transfer is now seen as a masterstroke by officials at Napoli.
Antonio Conte still amazed by Scott McTominay transfer
McTominay enjoyed an outstanding debut season at Napoli.
The Scotland international scored 13 goals in 36 appearances to help fire Napoli to a second Serie A crown in just three seasons, despite losing some key players over the past 12 months. He also registered six assists for his efforts.
It has almost been a year since McTominay swapped Manchester for Naples, and Napoli manager Antonio Conte has revealed he was surprised they were able to secure the 28-year-old’s signature.
“Scott is a player whom I really knew well,” Conte told Sky Sport Italia.
“He was born and raised at Manchester United. I could see that he always made an impact when he played, but at the same time, I noticed he wasn’t used as a key player at Manchester United.
“He was hardly a starter. Honestly, we had talked about it with [Napoli director] Giovanni Manna. He told me it was a possible solution.
“Sometimes, directors make up stories also to keep you calm. If you ask me: ‘Have you ever thought McTominay would surely arrive?’ I’d say no.
“Don’t forget we were heading into a season without European trophies to play for, so he had to leave Manchester United to start over with us.”
What’s next for Scott McTominay?
The internationals are over so McTominay will soon begin preparations for the 2025/26 season.
Napoli will start the 2025 pre-season on 17 July with the traditional training camp in Dimaro Folgarida, in Val di Sole.
That is when efforts will step up for Napoli to defend their crown as Serie A champions.
McTominay is set to play a big role in that.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/WKChio5