After leaving Man United, McTominay shone brightly in Serie A.

Having decided to leave Man United after many years with the club, McTominay had the most successful season of his career when he won the Serie A title with Napoli.

McTominay wins Serie A Player of the Year (MVP) award for the 2024-2025 season - Photo: AFP

In the early hours of May 24th, Scott McTominay and Napoli lifted the Serie A trophy after defeating Cagliari 2-0.

McTominay had a fantastic season and was a key factor in Napoli's title win. He also won the Serie A Player of the Year (MVP) award for the 2024-2025 season.

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

The decision to leave Man United, where he had spent almost his entire life, to seek new challenges in a foreign country last summer was a courageous move.

With a transfer fee of just £25.7 million, it is now considered a "bargain" for Napoli. It was also an extremely wise decision by McTominay.

While the 28-year-old midfielder celebrated his triumph in Italy, his former club was experiencing one of the worst seasons in its history. Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer once exclaimed, "I can't understand why they sold Scott."

'Transformed' under the guidance of coach Conte

McTominay's success at Napoli bears the strong imprint of manager Antonio Conte. The Italian strategist freed McTominay from his usual defensive midfield role at Man United, and even his role as a center-back for the Scotland national team.

Coach Conte helped McTominay become his "most formidable" version - Photo: AFP

At Napoli, he was deployed as an attacking central midfielder, a true "raider".

Naples journalist Vincenzo Credendino analyzed: "In Conte's system, he's not a playmaker, but an attacking spearhead – the best option when you have a number 9 like Romelu Lukaku. McTominay is perfect for Conte, just as Conte is perfect for McTominay."

Statistics show that McTominay is the top-scoring midfielder in Serie A this season. He frequently penetrates the opponent's penalty area and consistently wins one-on-one duels. He also demonstrates leadership qualities, such as intervening to prevent teammate Amir Rrahmani from getting into an unnecessary argument.

The love of Napoli fans

Not only did McTominay shine on the pitch, but he also completely won the hearts of Napoli fans.

He was given many affectionate nicknames, such as "McFratm" (meaning "brother" or "comrade"). 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 kissing the club's emblem, and his efforts to learn Italian and the local Neapolitan language have made him even more beloved by the fans.

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

From a promising 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