Latest news with #ScottMcTominay
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Scott McTominay's mistreatment at Man United made his Napoli heroics inevitable
Every action has an equal and opposite reaction and as the curtain fell on a historically bad season for Manchester United, players who have recently departed the club are left reflecting on glory and glamour. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson won the FA Cup with Crystal Palace, Jadon Sancho lifted the Europa Conference League trophy with Chelsea and even Tyrell Malacia, on loan at PSV Eindhoven, became a title winner in the Netherlands. Advertisement But one man stands head and shoulders above every other recent United departee; Serie A medal in one hand, Serie A MVP award in the other, Scott McTominay looms large over Europe right now. So much so that in a recent opinion piece The Athletic ranked the Scotland international as 8th favourite for the Ballon d'Or – placing him above the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane. They note his importance to an underdog title success story: 'Despite not boasting the squad strength of Inter, Napoli edged them to the title, largely due to Antonio Conte getting the best out of McTominay.' This prompts the inevitable question of how Conte was able to succeed in realising the player's potential where Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag all failed. Advertisement The Italian is certainly a world-class coach but is he such a horse whisperer that he can bend the ear of any workmanlike midfielder and conjure up a marauding one-man title charge? It seems unlikely, so we have to conclude that the raw materials for the 2025 version of Scott McTominay have always been there. That's much easier to understand. After all, something called to the Special One when he cast his eye over the United reserves in 2017, raising eyebrows at the time by overlooking other youngsters deemed ahead of McTominay in terms of development. His physicality and willingness to do anything for the cause were doubtless huge factors, and when Solskjaer took the reins at Old Trafford the infamous McFred pivot really took hold, pushing both of these traits to the fore at the expense of any others. Advertisement Alongside the industrious Brazilian, almost regardless of what he did McTominay was always one half of the butt of a joke, one half of the reason for United's poor form. It was a thankless role, no doubt mentally just as much as in terms of ability to impact matches, so when Ten Hag offered the opportunity for McTominay to push higher up the pitch it's little wonder he bloomed. Last season, under the Dutch tactician, the 28-year-old reached double figures for goals scored for the first time in his senior career, netting ten in all competitions – he is up there on his current pedestal with 13 in the bag. But despite scoring some crucial and memorable goals there was always the sense that it was a one-off, that it was a last resort tactic, that it was the equivalent of pushing Harry Maguire to centre-forward for the last five minutes and shouldn't be relied on. Advertisement Combined with United's chronic lack of saleable assets and desperate need to raise cash, the plucky overachiever who had no fixed role despite spending years in the squad seemed an obvious candidate to depart in the never-ending churn to get rid of 'deadwood'. That McTominay was identified as such is a shame but not a crime – hindsight is 20/20, and given the circumstances and attitudes at play in the last close season something had to give, but it is still disappointing that it was a future title-decider who left rather than a waning five-time Champions League winner. But then we come to the real crux of the matter. McTominay had been at United since the age of five and had never know anything else, had never even been on loan at another club. For him, football at the top level was only ever fraught with false aspersions and disjointed displays, was always about compromise and making do with your position however ill-fitted it might be. Advertisement Above all, to play football in red was always to be judged, studied and pilloried, to be the punchline even after scoring winning goals – the levels of scrutiny and pressure at United are unmatched and toxic, and claimed a victim in McTominay. The general Old Trafford malaise weighed him down, pushing the Scottish square peg into a round hole and, like a coiled spring, building up his potential energy. How wonderful for Napoli that McTominay's sweet release powered them to a Serie A title, but there is every chance he could have been a jet engine for anyone willing to take a punt. Feature image Francesco Pecoraro via Getty Images Follow us on Bluesky: @
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Antonio Conte makes final decision over his future at Napoli - after reports claimed he would be sacked just days after winning Serie A title
Antonio Conte has will remain at Napoli despite reports claiming that he would be sacked just days after clinching the Serie A title. Conte, who only arrived at the club at the start of the 2024-25 campaign, helped deliver the league title success last week after a dramatic final day of the season. As the players and staff celebrated, however, rumours began circulating that suggested the former Tottenham and Chelsea boss would be relieved of his duties. As quoted by Football Italia, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis said: 'I wish Conte continuing success in his professional life. Thank you, Antonio.' However, it appears that De Laurentiis and his chiefs have had a change of heart - with Conte now set to stay on as Napoli head coach. Taking to X on Thursday, De Laurentiis shared a picture of himself and Conte with the caption: 'FULL SPEED AHEAD. STRONGER THAN BEFORE!'. Meanwhile, Napoli's official account on the social media platform also provided a post which confirmed that Conte would be staying on for the next season. Conte had reportedly been concerned about the financial backing that could be provided in the transfer window but that fears seems to have been alleviated. The team enjoyed an open-top bus parade on Monday afternoon around the Bay of Naples to celebrate their second Scudetto in three seasons. Napoli were indebted to former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay as he scored an acrobatic effort to steer Conte's men to glory. A 2-0 victory over Cagliari saw them finish above closest challengers Inter Milan by just one point in what was a titanic title race. Meanwhile, reports recently claimed that Man United are talking to Napoli about a swap involving Victor Osimhen and Rasmus Hojlund - plus a substantial fee. Osimhen is one of Europe's most wanted men and United have flown out one of their transfer kingpins to try and steer Osimhen away from their rivals and Saudi Arabia. United have reportedly sent recruitment planner Matt Hargreaves to sweet talk Napoli president Aurelio Di Laurentiis and sporting director Giovanni Manna. Napoli are willing to let United have their prize if they are ready to hand over Hojlund and around £33.5million, according to local outlet Il Napolista. Osimhen is due to return to Naples in the coming days, having spent the year on loan at Galatasaray, where he has added 36 goals and a league title to his portfolio.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Scott McTominay's bargain £25m Napoli transfer shows Man Utd know the price of everything and the value of nothing
IT is questionable why any Scotsman would venture outside in 27 degrees of searing Italian sunshine. Proceeding to slug neat whisky from a bottle while sitting atop a roofless bus the day before meeting the Pope represents a whole new level of judgement. 11 Scott McTominay lifts the Serie A trophy Credit: Getty 11 McTominay swigs whisky during the celebrations Credit: X @mctominay_HQ 11 The Scotland star has been loving the celebrations Credit: X 11 Napoli's new hero meets the Pope Credit: Alamy Scott McTominay's hands were probably shaking with more than nerves as he stood to meet Leo XIV while nursing a biblical hangover. But as a young man with the world at his feet and a Serie A winner's medal round his neck, Scottish football's new Messiah can do whatever he likes. And besides, daft decisions have been following him around for some time. Not least the one by his former club READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS Not exactly Dragon's Den or The Apprentice. Presumably, it was considered better to get McTominay out of the way and packed off to a foreign league rather than sell to a direct rival. Ninety-nine years out of 100, It's only because Ruben Amorim's team has been so spectacularly bad this season in McTominay's absence that they can see the Hammers from across the lower reaches of the Premier League table. Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 11 McTominay played his final match for Man Utd last August Credit: Getty 11 The Scotland international took on an exciting new challenge in Naples Credit: Getty He was long gone before A towering presence on the pitch, McTominay was viewed as a symbol of how far the club had fallen from the rose-tinted days when everyone who wore the shirt was a legend. Scott McTominay dances with old fan while puffing on cigarette as never-ending Napoli title party continues Despite being 6ft 3in, McTominay could never look Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, Maybe not, but he has scored more goals this term than He also scored on the final day for McTominay's sale was dressed up as a financial necessity to keep the bean counters at the Premier League off United's backs. Yet the £42m splashed out on his replacement The Uruguayan amassed 15 bookings in his debut campaign and two goals, at least repaying some of his transfer fee in club fines. But if you want a heartfelt verdict on whether it was a wise move letting McTominay slip away, just ask former United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He described the call to sell him as 'beyond me' — which for a Norwegian nice guy equates to verbal GBH. 11 McTominay suffered the curse of the academy kid. Fans and bosses alike expected too much from him. There were doubts about his all-round game, which seemed surprising because he always looked the part. Though born in Lancaster and raised in United's academy, there is a 'Scottishness' about him. The firm brow, deep-set eyes and angular jawline makes for a formidable face when he sports that scary buzz cut. The look of someone who can handle himself. Guzzling warm scotch on a hot day and chain- smoking only adds to McTominay's aura, now backed up by a serious achievement on the pitch. His colourful behaviour on the trophy parade after Napoli's title triumph might not be the most sophisticated advert for modern football. But it can't all be about broccoli and cryo-chambers can it? McTominay was voted Serie A's MVP. Some in football know the price of everything and the value of nothing. 11 McTominay poses with girlfriend Cam Reading and the Serie A trophy 11 McTominay is a hero with the Napoli supporters Credit: Reuters 11 McTominay plays for Napoli alongside Scotland pal Billy Gilmour Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 11 McTominay's move to Naples has been a resounding success Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Scott McTominay's bargain £25m Napoli transfer shows Man Utd know the price of everything and the value of nothing
IT is questionable why any Scotsman would venture outside in 27 degrees of searing Italian sunshine. Proceeding to slug neat whisky from a bottle while sitting atop a roofless bus the day before meeting the Pope represents a whole new level of judgement. 10 10 10 Scott McTominay's hands were probably shaking with more than nerves as he stood to meet Leo XIV while nursing a biblical hangover. But as a young man with the world at his feet and a Serie A winner's medal round his neck, Scottish football's new Messiah can do whatever he likes. And besides, daft decisions have been following him around for some time. Not least the one by his former club Manchester United, who thought it great business to flog him to Napoli for £25million last summer, having rejected a bid of £30m from West Ham because it was not enough. Not exactly Dragon's Den or The Apprentice. Presumably, it was considered better to get McTominay out of the way and packed off to a foreign league rather than sell to a direct rival. Ninety-nine years out of 100, West Ham rival Manchester United in name only. It's only because Ruben Amorim's team has been so spectacularly bad this season in McTominay's absence that they can see the Hammers from across the lower reaches of the Premier League table. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 10 10 He was long gone before Ruben Amorim turned up at Old Trafford to try to dig United out of the mess left behind by his predecessor Erik ten Hag. A towering presence on the pitch, McTominay was viewed as a symbol of how far the club had fallen from the rose-tinted days when everyone who wore the shirt was a legend. Scott McTominay dances with old fan while puffing on cigarette as never-ending Napoli title party continues Despite being 6ft 3in, McTominay could never look Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, Paul Ince or Bryan Robson in the eye. Maybe not, but he has scored more goals this term than Rasmus Hojlund — United's £72m striker. He also scored on the final day for Napoli, who won the Scudetto by a solitary point. McTominay's sale was dressed up as a financial necessity to keep the bean counters at the Premier League off United's backs. Yet the £42m splashed out on his replacement Manuel Ugarte doesn't look like the best trade off. The Uruguayan amassed 15 bookings in his debut campaign and two goals, at least repaying some of his transfer fee in club fines. But if you want a heartfelt verdict on whether it was a wise move letting McTominay slip away, just ask former United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He described the call to sell him as 'beyond me' — which for a Norwegian nice guy equates to verbal GBH. McTominay suffered the curse of the academy kid. Fans and bosses alike expected too much from him. There were doubts about his all-round game, which seemed surprising because he always looked the part. Though born in Lancaster and raised in United's academy, there is a 'Scottishness' about him. The firm brow, deep-set eyes and angular jawline makes for a formidable face when he sports that scary buzz cut. The look of someone who can handle himself. Guzzling warm scotch on a hot day and chain- smoking only adds to McTominay's aura, now backed up by a serious achievement on the pitch. His colourful behaviour on the trophy parade after Napoli's title triumph might not be the most sophisticated advert for modern football. But it can't all be about broccoli and cryo-chambers can it? McTominay was voted Serie A's MVP. Some in football know the price of everything and the value of nothing. 10 10 10
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Do players thrive once they leave Man Utd or were club right to sell?
Scott McTominay - Serie A winner with Napoli. Jadon Sancho - Conference League winner with Chelsea. Dean Henderson - FA Cup winner with Crystal Palace. There was a time when leaving Manchester United was viewed as the start of a slow decline in a player's that still the case?Wednesday's Conference League final saw two players, currently contracted to United, on opposite sides in the shape of Sancho, who has spent the season on loan at Chelsea, and Brazil winger Antony, who joined Real Betis on a temporary basis in United's bosses carry out an inquest into a disastrous 2024-25 campaign, Sancho ends the season with a European winners' medal after Chelsea's 4-1 victory in Wroclaw, addition, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Matteo Darmian - who have both spent time at United in recent years - could feature for Inter Milan when they face Paris St-Germain in Saturday's Champions Final in does leaving Manchester United help revive your career given Sancho, Antony, and McTominay have all done well away from Old Trafford? 'Napoli move making of McTominay' It is not that long ago that McTominay was a bit-part player at United - starting matches on the substitutes bench. Last summer the Scotland wanted a change of scenery - and United wanted money to help them fit in with the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).The Lancaster-born player had been with United for over 20 years - first attending a soccer school at the club aged five - but made the bold decision to start again in Italy.A fee of £25.7m looks an absolute bargain wonder his former boss at Old Trafford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, recently told BBC Sport, "how you can sell Scott is beyond me".McTominay's game stats have improved in almost all areas since he left Old Trafford to link up with former United team-mate Romelu Lukaku at scored 13 times and provided four assists in 2,972 minutes on the pitch in 2024-25 compared to 10 goals and three assists in 2,772 minutes at United the previous passing accuracy has increased from 82.7% to 85%, while the chances he has created per game has also improved along with touches in the opposition box. Former Scotland midfielder Paul Lambert told BBC Sport moving to Italy had been the making of McTominay."Leaving Manchester United... there's a perception that British football is the be-all-and-end-all," said Lambert, who won the Champions League as a player with Borussia Dortmund in 1997."It's not. Playing European football brings players on quicker. It makes you grow up quicker."Then-United boss Erik ten Hag did not want to do the deal with Napoli for McTominay, according to BBC Sport chief football news reporter Simon Stone."From a Manchester United perspective, you really need to look beyond the deals themselves, understand why they happened - and focus in on the real issues," said Stone."The glaring one is Scott McTominay. Former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told me in Istanbul earlier this month that he could not get his head round why the Scotland international was sold."The rationale was simple. While Erik ten Hag didn't want to do the deal with Napoli, it was the only way to generate funds under PSR to bring in Manuel Ugarte."The theory was solid, the execution was wrong because Ugarte has not delivered what was anticipated." From 'cold guy' at United to Betis goalscorer Other examples of players flourishing away from Old Trafford include Brazil winger managed five goals in 62 Premier League appearances after joining United for £81.3m in 2022, before moving to Spain to sign for Real Betis in January after struggling for first-team has since managed nine goals - five in La Liga and four in Europe - and is loving life again, despite finishing with a runners-up medal in the Conference League final."We saw a very cold guy at Manchester United, since Antony has gone to Betis and things have been working, we've seen him cry, we've see him laugh and Betis fans love that," said Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague. Will Antony back at Old Trafford next season? Well, he remains under contract at United until 2027 although a permanent move to Betis could suit both parties."In Antony's case, there is not a single United fan who would argue the Brazilian should have been given more time," said Stone."The issue with Antony was the ridiculous fee paid for him."Henderson, who found himself behind David de Gea in the pecking order, has also seen his career kick on since joining Palace in a £20m deal in August 2023 having been with United since the age of the past 12 months he has made his first England start and helped deliver Palace a first major trophy after he saved Omar Marmoush's penalty in the 1-0 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup United have no European football to look forward to, Henderson will be playing in the Europa League next season. And what about Anthony Elanga?Like Henderson, he too will be playing on the continental stage with Nottingham Forest, whose seventh-placed finish has earned them a spot in the Conference forward Elanga, who cost Forest just £15m from United in 2023, provided 11 Premier League assists and chipped in with a further six goals in had been with United since he was 12 and achieved a first-team breakthrough in 2021, reaching 55 appearances before Forest stepped in after Ten Hag decided Elanga did not have the quality needed to be enough of an influence on his Gea, a Premier League champion with United in 2012-13, will also be playing in the Conference League next season after helping Fiorentina finish sixth in Serie A. Going backwards after leaving United Of course, there are plenty of recent examples of players' careers going backwards since leaving 2016, United paid a then-world record £89m to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus. He left in 2022 and the World Cup winner with France in 2018 is currently without a club after he was given a four-year ban in February 2024 for a doping offence - but in October that was reduced to 18 Martial, who left in 2024, is now playing in Greece for AEK Athens, while Jesse Lingaard is contracted to FC Seoul in South Donny van de Beek, who cost £35m in 2020, is playing in Spain for Girona, who have just finished 16th in La Liga. Will Garnacho thrive away from Old Trafford pressure cooker? There are several players expected to leave United this summer as Ruben Amorim attempts to stamp his mark on the squad and bring in his own signings after taking charge last those likely to depart is Marcus Rashford, who has been on loan at Aston Villa and accepts he will not play for United again while Amorim remains in charge. In addition, the United boss has told winger Alejandro Garnacho he will be allowed to join a new club this Garnacho and Rashford, a two-time FA Cup winner and Europa League winner, thrive elsewhere?Those who watch United regularly believe Garnacho, who is still only 20, has not been helped by the pressure brought about by the lack of experience in the United point out that when Cristiano Ronaldo was 20, and not at his consistent best, he had the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes around him, whereas Garnacho has struggled after being thrown in at the deep end. In addition, the future of Sancho - who initially left following a dispute with Ten Hag - remains unclear despite scoring for Chelsea in a European final on he start next season at Chelsea - or return to United?"Like Antony, Sancho has had a decent season at Chelsea," said Stone. "But if he had been that good, the Blues would not even be considering paying £5m to send him back to United."The issue with these deals is not what the players have done at their respective clubs, it is the form of the people United replaced them with."
