Scott McTominay's true Man Utd feelings shared as chief opens up on transfer chat
The Scotland midfielder left Manchester United for Napoli at the end of the summer transfer window after almost a decade at Old Trafford having failed to secure a starting spot under Erik ten Hag
by Alan Smith · The MirrorNapoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has revealed the Serie A giants were surprised that they could sign Scott McTominay from Manchester United.
The Scotland midfielder arrived in Naples during the final days of the summer transfer window but the Italian club had been doubtful about a move being completed having initially made contact with United at the beginning of the summer.
For Manna, who was speaking to local radio station CRC, it is a source of pride that they proved an attractive enough proposition for a player from one of the big Premier League clubs. And proof that McTominay was keen to leave United.
“First of all, I have to say that the player really wanted to come to Napoli,” Manna said. “This was really satisfying. If a player who plays for Manchester United in the Premier League chooses to come to Napoli, we should all be proud.
“Initially I didn’t think we could get to closing it despite the contacts that had been made with the agent at the beginning of the transfer market.
“Along the way we continued to maintain these relationships until we sat down with Manchester United, and we understood that the operation could be done.”
McTominay, 27, made his Napoli debut in their 4-0 win over Cagliari last weekend - coming off the bench with 14 minutes remaining to a huge ovation from the club's ultras.
He spent nine years at United, making 255 appearances and scoring 29 goals in all competitions, but was unable to solidify a starting role under head coach Erik ten Hag.
Napoli travel to face Juventus this afternoon with their head coach Antonio Conte returning to face a former club where he won three league titles.
United, meanwhile, face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this evening looking to win back to back games after a difficult start to the season.
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