Man Utd can't afford same transfer mistake again as ex-Red is player of season in Italy

Scott McTominay's form for Napoli shows it was the type of transfer that Manchester United can't afford to make.

As the Reds suffered a horror season McTominay made a flying start in Serie A — and caught the attention of his new teammates and coaching staff alike.

The 28-year-old midfielder, who joined Napoli for £25 million last year, was not considered good enough but he has now won the league in Italy.

Though a product of United’s academy and a fan favourite for his commitment, McTominay was increasingly marginalized amid tactical changes.

He was man of the match on his debut and from there went from strength to strength. His box-to-box energy and physical presence have earned him early comparisons to Gennaro Gattuso — and not just for his combative style.

“Scotty has adapted quickly. You can tell he came from a big club with high demands,” Scotland teammate Andy Robertson, reported the Guardian. “He’s leading by example already.”

McTominay’s success has left some United fans and pundits questioning whether the club moved too quickly to offload him, especially with Casemiro and Ugarte having struggled.

While he left under Erick ten Hag, it is is true he wouldn't either have been an ideal player for Ruben Amorim who has a preference for more technical, short-passing midfielders.

“He might not be glamorous, but McTominay is effective,” said former United defender Rio Ferdinand. _“He’s showing what he can do when he’s trusted.”

For McTominay, the move to Napoli also presents a chance to play in the Champions League and continue building momentum ahead of Scotland’s Euro 2024 campaign.

His performances are unlikely to go unnoticed at Carrington. While Amorim presses ahead with a new midfield blueprint, McTominay's flying start in Italy is a reminder of what United let go — and what the right environment can unlock.