Scott McTominay, now crowned Serie A’s Most Valuable Player, was once deemed not good enough for Manchester United, closer to the Least Valuable Player at the club. Yet just eight months later, he’s become too good for both Napoli and Italy’s top-flight league.
“I would go to those at Manchester United to arrest all the directors. How can you give away McTominay?”
These were the words of Serie A legend Paolo Di Canio a few weeks into the midfielder’s time in Napoli, where he quickly became a key player under manager Antonio Conte. Di Canio could not help but voice his disapproval, and why he appeared to have exaggerated, time has done him justice. But as right as he was, the atmosphere at Manchester United made not only Scott, but everyone, a different player.
It seems that the people of Naples always seen the green light. McTominay received a hero’s welcome when he arrived to sign his contract last summer, following the end of his 22-year relationship with the Red Devils. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport in April, he admitted that he never anticipated such a reception.
“Absolutely not (expect the hero welcome). When I got off the plane, my mother, who was behind me, had no idea the fans would be so passionate and affectionate, we couldn’t believe our eyes. It’s a moment I will remember for the rest of my life.”
After being deemed surplus at his club since the age of five, the midfielder was simply seeking a fresh start, somewhere he could revive his career, far from the pressure and constant scrutiny that comes with being a United player.
“Napoli? I had heard about it during the Euros and there was an immediate attraction. McTominay said during his interview in April.“ I looked carefully into the project, the team, and the coach. And sporting director Manna had a big influence on me, helping me.
He came to my home in Manchester and explained the culture, the history of the club, the shirt, the city of Naples, the stadium, the legend of Maradona, and the incredible food. I’m very happy here.” said the Serie A MVP.
Definitely not short of self-belief, but the idea of being crowned Serie A MVP might have been overreaching, even so for a player who’s grown used to being told he wasn’t good enough at a place he once called home.
Now, at the end of his first season with the club, he showcased the skills of a true star. With the fans’ affection and appreciation for his efforts, the rewards of his sacrifices, and his clutch performances, he helped secure the Scudetto title. McTominay has found himself in a position that he couldn’t have even envisioned last summer.
Scott McTominay | A Reject Turned Scudetto Orchestra
While Scott McTominay was an easy catch for Napoli in the summer window, his performances at Manchester United in his final full season suggested that he is a very much improved player.
Despite the limited engagement under Erik Ten Hag, the Scotland international scored ten goals across all competitions, only Rasmus Højlund and Bruno Fernandes have more for the club. He also made vital contributions in their run to the Emirates FA Cup title, scoring both in the quarter-final and semi-final.
Yet, due to necessity, the relationship between him and United had to end, as it feels forced and neither party has enjoyed it after nearly a decade with the first team. Napoli was there to catch in for £25 million, a sum that now appears to be too modest.
Since his debut for Napoli in September, he has consistently shown remarkable improvement. Between that match against Cagliari to the final fixture of the season against the same team, he scored 12 goals and provided four assists. He was recognized as Serie A Player of the Month and delivered several decisive performances, to help Gil Azzurri to their fourth Scudetto.
In the wake of their triumph on the final gameweek of the season, McTominay, along with teammate Billy Gilmour, became the first Scottish players to win the Scudetto in 120 years, since former Juventus players Jack Diment and James Squair.
Scott McTominay leads the way for non penalty goals for Napoli in Serie A, with 12 goals from open play, putting him just ahead of top scorer Romelu Lukaku. Additionally, he recorded four assists, which is second only to Lukaku, who achieved ten assists during the league campaign.
It has been a truly remarkable season for the Scotland international, one that saw him go beyond his limits and set new standards. 13 goals across all club competitions is a new individual milestone, and it is the same for his four assists.
The priority of the future is building on the heights of his debut season. For him, it is not even considered a challenge but doing what he does with commitment and let things happen on their own. This is the way in Naples for McTominay, and it has brought the best out of him.
Far from the deafening noise that erodes confidence at Old Trafford, in Italy, McTominay is the MVP, and no longer will he be the LVP Manchester United once made him.
Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi
