Ex-Man Utd ace Scott McTominay praised by Italian media as ‘warrior’ scores for Napoli against Inter Milan

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Manchester United sold Scott McTominay to Napoli over the summer and the midfielder continues to make a big impact in Italy.

Manchester United had to make changes in midfield over the summer, but it took a while for an incoming deal to materialise.

United wanted a defensive midfielder and made Manuel Ugarte the top target.

As the hours ticked down on transfer deadline day, United completed a deal to sign Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.

Ugarte’s arrival was a major boost but it came as United fans said goodbye to Scott McTominay.

A product of the United academy ranks, McTominay had been a popular and committed figure in midfield before being reluctantly sold to Napoli.

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Scott McTominay enjoying strong start at Napoli

Erik ten Hag admitted that he didn’t really want to sell McTominay but it was a necessity due to the money involved.

As a homegrown player, McTominay’s sale counted as pure profit in terms of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.

United ended up selling McTominay for £25.7million, allowing him to become part of the Antonio Conte revolution at Napoli.

The early signs have been good; McTominay’s displays have seen him branded an ‘idol’ at Napoli.

Paolo Di Canio even joked about arresting United directors for selling McTominay, believing they made a huge mistake.

McTominay made a big impact on Sunday once again, scoring from close range to put Napoli 1-0 up at Inter Milan.

The game ended in a 1-1 draw but McTominay showed his knack for scoring big goals once again.

Italian media on McTominay display

McTominay’s display prompted praise from the Italian media.

Eurosport rated McTominay at 7 out of 10, suggesting that McTominay produced some ‘amazing’ moments out wide of his goal.

“He scores from a corner kick to give Napoli the lead. Quick and punctual. In between, some amazing plays, especially “first-time”. Great first half, second half in the trenches,” they wrote.

Corriere Della Sera matched that 7 out of 10 rating, suggesting that he ‘seems like a butterfly’ in midfield, able to ghost away from players despite his huge frame.

“Physical strength, vigor and elasticity in his movements: he is tall and big but when he passes the ball he seems like a butterfly that passes around you and you don’t even notice,” they wrote.

Il Messaggero added that McTominay was a ‘warrior’ for Napoli in their headline before going on to praise him as the best player on the pitch for Napoli.

“Always present. The best of Napoli, not only for the goal that broke the deadlock,” they wrote.

United fans may still feel a little frustrated that McTominay isn’t performing like this at Old Trafford, but will at least be proud of his exploits in Serie A.