Scott McTominay kept Napoli’s title hopes alive over the weekend with a brace against Torino.
After leaving Manchester United last summer in a £25 million deal, signing for Napoli, Scott McTominay has seen his stock rise throughout the season.
The 28-year-old had a reputation for scoring important goals at Old Trafford, especially during his last season under Erik ten Hag. Still, the Scotland international has continued scoring goals since moving to Italy, with 12 goals and four assists in 35 games.
With McTominay firing Napoli towards Serie A success, United fans are likely to ask if it was a mistake to get rid of him last summer. Ruben Amorim could certainly do with more goals from midfield to his side, which are blunt in attack.
McTominay has become a key player under Antonio Conte and his 2024 transfer may encourage Napoli to sign more players from United in the future.
Napoli director explains Scott McTominay success story
It was another weekend to remember for McTominay at Napoli.
McTominay found the target twice in a 2-0 win over Torino as Napoli secured a three-point lead at the top of the table as Inter Milan suffered defeat against Roma.
It’s a common view that McTominay is shining in Italy because the level of the Italian football league has allowed him to flourish, although Napoli’s sporting director has shared a different view.
Giovanni Manna believes McTominay is standing out with his performance because he is the centre of the project at Napoli.
“There is too much work in daily life, that’s why it is difficult to watch so many footballers,” Manna told Tuttomercato.
“Before I watch him, there’s the a job of the staff. Someone like McTominay does not need to be discovered, we knew he was an important footballer. He just had to be put at the centre of a specific project.
Manna added that Napoli will look to continue their shopping for new players in the Premier League.
“The best league in the world, with the best players in the world. The level is high, intensity, tactics, technique. There are many components that can have an impact in Italy.”
McTominay enjoying new nickname in Italy
As the star of Napoli, it’s only right that McTominay is given a new nickname from his supporters in Italy.
There is no denying that McTominay wouldn’t be on top of Serie A if it weren’t for McTominay’s goals after taking his tally of league goals to 11. That is more than he managed in any single season for United.
Speaking to DAZN, McTominay revealed a new nickname given to him by fans and teammates.
“Which nickname do I prefer? Pasquale Mazzocchi would say ‘Fratm’, so I choose McFratm. I like it,” McTominay said, as related by CN24.
When asked about the possibility of winning Serie A in his first season at the club, he added: “Scudetto? It would mean the world to win here . The level of the team from two years ago is too high. Obviously we are top of the table now, but we need to relax, we need to be calm and think game by game.”
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