Scott McTominay’s brace on Monday night not only secured his status as Napoli’s key contributor but also underscored a glaring issue for his former club, Manchester United. The Scotland international, who joined the Italian side last summer for £25.7 million, has now made the 2024-25 season his most prolific yet—and his numbers make for uncomfortable reading at Old Trafford.
Despite leaving Manchester, McTominay remains United’s joint-top league scorer this term with eight goals—a tally matched only by captain Bruno Fernandes. For a struggling Red Devils side that has managed just 38 league goals under Ruben Amorim, the 28-year-old’s success in Serie A serves as a painful reminder of their attacking deficiencies.
Since arriving in Naples, McTominay has thrived under Antonio Conte, becoming a vital part of Napoli’s title-chasing squad. His ability to drive into the box and finish chances has been a revelation—a stark contrast to his time at United, where he often found himself deployed in deeper, less natural roles.
In a recent interview with The Athletic, McTominay reflected on his time at United, admitting his skill set was sometimes misused.
“When I broke into the first team, I was often played out of position—as a No. 6 or even a center-back,” he said. “But my real strengths lie in making late runs, scoring goals, and causing problems in the box. That’s always been my game.”
McTominay isn’t the only former United player flourishing elsewhere. Antony, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Elanga have all found success since departing, raising further questions about the club’s ability to maximize talent.
As Napoli push for silverware, United’s struggles continue—with McTominay’s success serving as the latest example of what might have been.
