McTominay Breaks Silence on Man Utd Exit Rumors, Reveals Bold Future Plans
Scott McTominay has firmly dismissed rumors about a potential comeback to Manchester United and has expressed his willingness to remain at Napoli for "an extended period."
McTominay displayed glimpses of offensive capability during his final phase at Manchester United when Erik ten Hag recognized his scoring ability. The homegrown talent netted 10 goals in his last season at Old Trafford and featured as a striker in the successful 2024 FA Cup final.
These attacking qualities have been refined under Antonio Conte at Napoli, where he has evolved into one of Europe's top offensive midfielders. Named Serie A's Player of the Year following a debut season that concluded with the league championship, McTominay has again reached double-digit goals this campaign, despite playing a more withdrawn position and competing throughout most of the season while carrying an injury.
This exceptional performance level, during a period when Manchester United have faced collective difficulties, has sparked discussions about a return for the Lancaster native. However, this appears unlikely to materialize.
"My representative has not been in contact with anyone about my future," McTominay informed Corriere dello Sport recently. "He only communicates with me and the club. He hasn't made any statements to the media. I am thoroughly content here and, as I see it, I am a Napoli player; that's all I focus on.
"The future holds great significance, and I can envision myself at Napoli for an extended duration."
Man Utd Would Be Right to Avoid McTominay Temptation
Man Utd Would Be Right to Avoid McTominay Temptation
As McTominay has likely learned, there exists an Italian proverb that states: La minestra riscaldata non è mai buona. Warmed-up soup never tastes good. Don't return to a former relationship.
This wisdom applies at a basic level and proves relevant in the particular situation involving Manchester United and McTominay—regardless of the clear appeal.
Napoli's injury crisis has pushed the adventurous Scotsman into a more disciplined position this season. He remains most effective when surging into the penalty box, but Conte has taken pride in his "evolution" of McTominay into a "well-rounded" midfielder.
"During this year and a half, [McTominay] developed into a well-rounded player," Napoli's manager declared earlier this season. "When I was in England facing him as an adversary, I always recognized his talent, but only one aspect of his ability—particularly his knack for attacking the penalty area and finding the net.
Rasmus Hojlund: "I spoke a bit with the big Scott [McTominay].
We're not on the same path in our careers, I still have a lot to learn. Whereas, he's a bit older and probably had a bit more on his back to go out there and prove himself.
Which obviously I want to and that's also… pic.twitter.com/Fx4K6sjnOr
"However, we focused with him on ball progression and play construction, and I attempted with considerable effort to develop him into a well-rounded player. He now operates alongside [Stanislav] Lobotka as a midfield duo, and he has significantly enhanced his build-up play. Simultaneously, he has retained his ability to advance forward, to function as a box-to-box midfielder. Currently, he is, in my view, a genuinely elite player for a major club."
McTominay is also 29 years old and holds a contract through summer 2028. Unlike numerous other European clubs, Napoli have consistently demonstrated they will not surrender to Premier League financial power. Should United attempt to bring their former No. 39 back to Manchester, the cost would be substantial.
The Red Devils are allegedly willing to invest "significantly" in midfield additions this summer, yet those resources would likely be better allocated elsewhere than McTominay. United must replace Casemiro and therefore seek a player more naturally inclined toward defensive duties and ideally someone who won't reach 30 this year.
Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton represent the primary trio of prospects while Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali has surfaced as an increasingly compelling option. Returning to a former midfielder in management may have temporarily stabilized matters at Old Trafford, but that doesn't indicate it's always the optimal strategy.