Leaving Man United, McTominay shines in Serie A

McTominay won the Serie A MVP award 2024-2025 - Photo: AFP

On the morning of May 24, Scott McTominay and Napoli lifted the Italian Championship (Serie A) after defeating Cagliari with a score of 2-0.

McTominay had a great season and was a key factor in Napoli's title win. He also won the Serie A 2024-2025 MVP title.

The Scottish midfielder has scored a total of 12 goals in Serie A, second only to Napoli teammate Romelu Lukaku.

The decision to leave Man United, where he had spent most of his life, to seek a new challenge in a foreign country last summer was a brave move.

With a transfer fee of just £25.7m, it is now considered a "bargain" for Napoli. At the same time, it was an extremely wise decision by McTominay.

While the 28-year-old midfielder celebrated glory in Italy, his former club endured one of their worst seasons in history. Former Man United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer once exclaimed: "I don't understand why they sold Scott."

'Transformation' under the hands of coach Conte

McTominay's success at Napoli has been heavily influenced by coach Antonio Conte. The Italian tactician has freed McTominay from his usual defensive midfield role at Man United and even as a centre-back for Scotland.

Coach Conte helps McTominay become the "most fearsome" version - Photo: AFP

At Napoli, he was pushed up to play as an attacking central midfielder, a true "raider".

Napoli journalist Vincenzo Credendino analyzed: "In Conte's system, he is not a playmaker, but an attacking spearhead - the best option when you have a No. 9 like Romelu Lukaku. McTominay is perfect for Conte as Conte is perfect for McTominay."

Statistics show that McTominay is the top scoring midfielder in Serie A this season. He often penetrates the opponent's penalty area and always wins the duels. He also shows his leadership qualities, such as stopping teammate Amir Rrahmani from an unnecessary argument.

Love of Napoli fans

Not only shining on the field, McTominay also completely conquered the hearts of Napoli fans.

He has been affectionately nicknamed "McFratm". Tattoos, flags, cakes and even a small shrine dedicated to McTominay have appeared in Naples.

A painting by Scott McTominay in a central Naples temple - Photo: EPA

His devotion to the city, always giving a kiss to the club badge, and his efforts to learn Italian and the Neapolitan dialect have endeared him to fans.

"I feel the passion of the fans here. I have a great manager and great teammates. I saw an opportunity and I took it. I love this place, love the fans, love my teammates," McTominay shared.

From a potential player at Man United, Scott McTominay has truly risen to become a top star in Serie A and a new icon at Napoli.

THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/roi-man-united-mctominay-ruc-sang-o-serie-a-20250524084928515.htm