Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay caught the eye of one former Scotland international for all the right reasons when he was at Manchester United.
Scott McTominay has signed off on his second full season under soon-to-be former Napoli manager Antonio Conte after his Manchester United exit in 2024.
The Red Devils made the decision to sanction the sale of the 29-year-old Scottish midfielder for a £25.7m transfer fee during Erik ten Hag’s reign at the club.
McTominay had emerged from the Man Utd youth academy and had been a key United first-team player ahead of his departure to Serie A outfit Napoli.
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Former Scotland midfielder Gary McAllister on what he saw from Napoli ace Scott McTominay at Manchester United
Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wanted to keep hold of Scott McTominay before the Red Devils signed Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.
However, the Red Devils needed to balance their books after Manuel Ugarte’s initial £42.3m move and United benefited from pure profit from McTominay’s transfer.
McTominay, who made 255 senior appearances for United, lifted both the League Cup and the FA Cup under Ten Hag during his time at Old Trafford.
Gary McAllister said that he was “surprised” United sold McTominay after he was impressed with the “bear”-like presence that the Scotland star offered in matches.
“Every time I saw them play, McTominay stood out,” he told FourFourTwo magazine.
“He was trying like a bear, right through 90 minutes, when others were walking around. I was surprised that Manchester United allowed him to go.”
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Gary McAllister on Scott McTominay’s spell at Serie A side Napoli after his 2024 Man Utd exit
McTominay has been an important first-team player for Antonio Conte and the former Man Utd talent lifted the Serie A trophy in his debut season with Napoli.
Gary McAllister has insisted that he was not surprised that Scotland star McTominay has continued to excel in his career after Man Utd made the call to sell him.
“Maybe Scott might be surprised at what he’s done in Serie A,” he added.
“I knew he’d go there and do well, but he’s getting close to the realms of Maradona as far as popularity with the fans.
“You can see why he’s so loved, because he sets an amazing example.”
McTominay netted 14 times and registered four assists in 44 matches across all competitions for Italian side Napoli in the 2025-26 campaign under Conte.
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