Scott McTominay’s departure from Manchester United to Napoli in the summer transfer window has proven to be a massive success for both the player and the Italian club. The former Red Devils midfielder has earned widespread acclaim from Italian media and Serie A fans alike, with some even suggesting he is the “best player by a distance” for Napoli.
After completing his move to Napoli for a reported £25 million, McTominay has hit the ground running in Italy. His performances have been instrumental in pushing Napoli to the top of the Serie A standings, and he has already contributed key goals and assists for the club.
Impressive Early Performances at Napoli
McTominay wasted no time in making an impact for his new side. In a 3-1 victory over Como, the Scottish international opened the scoring just 26 seconds into the match. His early goal set the tone for Napoli’s fifth win in seven games, with the team now sitting at the top of the league going into the October international break.
Italian sports journalists, including Andy Mitten, have praised McTominay’s immediate influence, with Mitten noting that the Scottish midfielder has surpassed expectations:
“The Italian press is calling McTominay Napoli’s best player by a distance. It’s quite the turnaround for a player whose Manchester United future was in doubt just months ago.”
Romelu Lukaku: High Expectations for McTominay at Napoli
Former Manchester United and Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, now McTominay’s teammate, praised his strong performances but also hinted at the high expectations Napoli has for him.
“Napoli expects many goals and assists from McTominay, and he’s already showing great promise.”
McTominay has quickly integrated into Antonio Conte’s system and looks set for a successful campaign, having already added two goals in his first five appearances.
Will Manchester United Regret Letting McTominay Go?
McTominay’s excellent form in Italy has sparked debate among Manchester United fans and pundits. The 26-year-old midfielder made 255 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 29 goals and assisting eight times. Despite being one of the more reliable midfield options, McTominay was sold during a summer where United made significant changes to their squad. His absence has been noted, with Mitten speculating that Manchester United might regret parting ways with him:
“We’re starting to see how much United is missing some of the players who left this summer. McTominay is thriving at Napoli, and it’s becoming clear that he’s a key player for them.”
McTominay’s Future at Napoli
Having signed a four-year contract, Scott McTominay is now fully focused on his career at Napoli. With expectations rising, the Scottish international has the opportunity to be a central figure in Napoli’s quest for success this season. His impressive form has not only silenced his critics but also highlighted his value on the international stage. Napoli, after a disappointing 2023/24 season where they finished 10th in Serie A, will look to continue building momentum with McTominay leading the charge.
