Pep Guardiola has criticised Manchester United in the lead-up to the Champions League opener, as he praises Scott McTominay for his form in Naples.
Manchester United’s defeat in the derby was not just a disappointment because of a poor performance, but it also suggests that Rúben Amorim could continue to struggle.
The Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby Town would’ve been considered a blip if United improved after the international break, but against Manchester City, they looked lacklustre. It was an embarrassing showing.
While the injuries to Mathues Cunha, Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot were a blow for Amorim, United had more than enough quality to come out with a little dignity against City.
To put the cherry on the cake, Rasmus Hojlund scored just 14 minutes into his Napoli debut, playing alongside Scott McTominay, who won the Serie A MVP for the club last season. The former players are shining.
Marcus Rashford has already started for Barcelona and looks set to again when they face Newcastle United, while Antony looked threatening in his first 90 minutes of the season against Levante. Players are continually improving once they leave Old Trafford.
Guardiola slams United with McTominay praise
McTominay’s side face Manchester City in the Champions League on Thursday night, in what could be one of the best games of the competition.
As one of Napoli’s biggest threats, McTominay was the centre of most questions pointed towards Pep Guardiola in the pre-match press conference. The Spaniard was asked if he was surprised by McTominay’s form since leaving United.
“No [I’m not surprised],” said Guardiola. “He has really good conditions [in Naples],” suggesting that the poor atmosphere inside United was the reason behind McTominay’s poor form.
“It was a team that won the Serie A, and when you win, it means every player is always performing to his maximum level.”
McTominay is another example of a United player to shine after they have left Old Trafford; there seems to be a deep-rooted problem at the club.
McTominay is a victim of United’s manager troubles
McTominay was misprofiled for years at United, before Erik ten Hag finally saw him for the box-crashing attacking midfielder he really was. However, this wouldn’t have been an issue if it weren’t for the manager turnover at Old Trafford.
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If United had a stable management, the youth setup wouldn’t have seen so much change, and McTominay would have been recognised for his attacking skills earlier.
Then, he could have become a key player at Old Trafford for years to come, rather than being forced out of the door in a turbulent time.
McTominay was one of the few players who understood the values of the club, but now fans are forced to watch him shine for another side because of the mistreatment he was subject to.
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