Scott McTominay opens up on ‘huge decision’ to leave Manchester United after 22 years at the club
Scott McTominay has insisted he has no regrets after leaving Manchester United this summer to join Serie A side Napoli.
A graduate of United’s academy system, McTominay had been associated with the club since the age of 5 and had enjoyed his most prolific campaign to date in his final season at Old Trafford.
Despite stepping up on multiple times to secure vital points for United, the 27-year-old was unable to cement a consistent place in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI, starting just 18 of his 32 league appearances in 2023-24.
With United continuing to look to strengthen their midfield over the summer, and with his contract set to expire at the end of the current campaign, the Scotsman had reached an impasse.
Napoli boss Antonio Conte had long been an admirer, and Napoli swept in to sign McTominay for £25.7m during the closing days of the transfer window, bringing an end to his time in Manchester after 22 years.
Speaking on the decision to leave his boyhood club, McTominay insisted he was determined to continue his development despite the significant change.
Scott McTominay has opened up on his decision to join Napoli this summer from Man United
27-year-old made 255 appearances and scored 29 goals in all competitions for the Red Devils
McTominay had spent his entire career at United to that point, having joined the club aged 5
‘Obviously it’s a big decision, there’s no denying that,’ he admitted.
‘It was a huge decision for me and my family and my friends. At times like that in your life you just have to say, ‘Do I want to do it? Absolutely,’ and go for it.
‘There’s no looking back. I’ve never had any regrets in my life or my career and I continue that way to this day.
‘I want my career to be successful and I’m going to go out of my way to try and push myself to be the best football player and best person that I can possibly be.’
Shortly after his switch was completed, McTominay was joined at the Stadio Armando Maradona by international team-mate and fellow Premier League alum Billy Gilmour.
The switch has proved to be an immediate success for the pair, with McTominay netting his second league goal of the season in their 1-1 draw with Inter last weekend to maintain their place at the top of the table.
McTominay credited the support of his loved ones with allowing him to successfully make the cross-continental switch.
He continued: ‘I’ve got great people around me who help me so much and the stress in my life is very minimal because I’ve got a really good family, amazing friends and I have a lovely girlfriend who do so much for me.
Napoli boss Antonio Conte had long been an admirer of McTominay from his time managing in the Premier League
The midfielder has been joined at the Serie A leaders by his Scotland team-mate Billy Gilmour
McTominay insisted the support of his loved ones has been crucial in his successful start at Napoli
‘I’m very grateful for them. It’s not easy going abroad and having to settle in but it’s been quite seamless to be fair in terms of how much the Italian people have helped me settle into my house and whatever.
‘Things I need, like a car or a taxi or anything like that. So, yeah, I’m very grateful to them.’
With 11 goals in the last three years at international level, McTominay is already closing in on a place in the top-ten all-time record goalscorers for his country.
He will be hopefully to continue his fine form in front of goal as Steve Clarke’s side play host to Croatia as they go in search of their first win in the Nations League group stage on Friday night.
