Scott McTominay has dismissed the suggestion that players improve when leaving Manchester United as nothing more than a myth, insisting that his former club did everything for him even if they have not enjoyed great success since his departure in 2024.
Despite McTominay’s insistence, a number of high-profile players have enjoyed notable success after leaving Old Trafford in recent years, including Antony, Angel Gomes, and Alvaro Carreras. This trend seems to have accelerated recently, as both Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford have had fruitful loan spells with champions in Italy and Spain, with Rashford notably contributing seven goals and eleven assists in 23 appearances for Barcelona.
No one, however, has matched the post-United success of McTominay, who was voted Serie A MVP and nominated for the Ballon d’Or after a debut season with Napoli that saw them secure a fourth league title. Speaking during an episode of CBS Sports’ Kickin’ It, McTominay took issue with the narrative that leaving Manchester United is directly connected to future success.
“It’s just too easy of an excuse to say ‘oh they left Man United and now they’re doing well’. In my last year [at the club] I did well. I scored 10 goals and we won a trophy. With Marcus, there were different issues which I won’t go into.’
“Potentially [a change in environment helps], but there are also players who leave but are not talked about much. It boils down to the individual. For me, it’s too simplistic to blame Manchester United as a club. Whenever I was there they did everything to help me succeed—from nutrition and training to tactical support. The idea that players leave and instantly become better is more related to confidence.”
McTominay proved invaluable for United over 250 appearances, beginning his association with them at the age of five. His reliability was acknowledged by several managers, and he left for Naples in the summer of 2024 for nearly $35 million, a decision that the club may regret more with his current form, where he has accumulated 18 goals and nine assists, making him a fan favorite at Napoli.
The key to McTominay’s success has been the influence of Napoli’s manager, Antonio Conte, whose system has allowed him to push forward and engage effectively with attackers, contributing to offensive plays.
“I love him to be honest, he’s so passionate… He’s very tactically astute and sets the team up with clear goals and expectations,” said McTominay, praising Conte’s approach to team preparation and player development.
