Scott McTominay’s departure from Manchester United last summer marked the end of a turbulent chapter for the Scottish midfielder.
Despite showing glimpses of his talent, particularly during his time under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, McTominay’s role at United was often a point of contention.
As the team continues to struggle with consistency in midfield, McTominay’s shift to Napoli has provided him with the opportunity to shine, with his performances in Serie A a testament to his growth as a player.
In recent months, Manchester United’s midfield has come under scrutiny for its lack of creativity and defensive stability.
While Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have been mainstays, the partnership between Fred and McTominay was often criticized for lacking the finesse required to dominate top-tier opponents.
The ongoing midfield issues forced then manager, Erik ten Hag to experiment with different combinations, with many United fans questioning the decision to let McTominay go.
Reflecting on his time at Old Trafford, McTominay admitted he was “misprofiled” when he broke into the first team.
“When I got into the first team, I was quite mis profiled in where I was playing,” he told The Athletic.
“It wasn’t the fault of any coaches.
“My strengths have always been getting into the box, scoring goals, being a problem in there.
“But I was being used as a No 6, or as a centre-back, and that has never really been my game.”
Despite being played out of position, Scott McTominay understood the realities of being a young player at a club like United.
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“When you’re playing for Manchester United and you’re 20, you can’t knock on the manager’s door and say that you expect to be playing at No 8 ahead of Paul Pogba,” he explained.
“It’s not realistic.
“You have to know your place, and do what you’re asked to do.”
McTominay’s versatility saw him used in various roles throughout his time at United, often at the expense of his attacking instincts.
However, as time went on, he began to make more of an impact in the final third.
“In the last few seasons, I began to get into the box a bit more, to score more goals, and then last year was my best one,” he recalled.
His move to Napoli, where he has flourished under Antonio Conte, has been a resounding success.
“Things were difficult in Manchester,” McTominay admitted.
“I didn’t know what was happening exactly.
“And you instantly know Napoli, the passion of the fans, the quality of the league.”
McTominay’s rise in Serie A has highlighted the potential he always had, and his experience at Manchester United has undoubtedly shaped him into a more complete player.
While the midfielder’s departure from Old Trafford remains a topic of debate, his success in Italy has proven that he was more than just a cog in the United machine.
With Napoli challenging for the Scudetto, Scott McTominay is finally getting the chance to display the full range of his abilities on a bigger stage.
United, on the other hand, will need to find the right balance in midfield if they are to contend for major honors once again.
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Source: Centred Devils
