Scott McTominay’s superb form has linked him with a return to Old Trafford leading Napoli’s chief to come forward and address the Manchester United rumours.
Manchester United are seeing major changes to the club following the immediate sacking of Ruben Amorim after he spoke out about his ambitions to be United’s manager, not just a head coach.
This came after United’s 1-1 draw with Leeds at Elland Road with United unable to find the firepower to generate enough goals.
Summer signings Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko have had mixed starts to their United careers. Meanwhile, former red Scott McTominay has undoubtable been one of the best players in Europe.
The Scotsman became Napoli’s talisman as they secured the Serie A title in the 24/25 season, with new boy McTominay running the show, totalling 12 goals and four assists in 34 league games, adopting a more preferred attacking, box crashing role.
His fine form earned him a Ballon D’or nomination and the Serie A’s most valuable player award. Meanwhile a return to Old Trafford has occurred in conversations, with more understanding on how the 29-year-old can be used to his strengths.
Napoli chief dampens talks of a January return
The summer saw the arrivals of Kevin De Bruyne and Man United loanee, Rasmus Hojlund in Napoli’s attempt to retain their title, as McTominay continues to be an ever-present feature in Antonio Conte’s side.
Talks of a return to the Premier League have been dismissed by Sporting Director, Giovanni Manna, who highlighted McTominay’s significance when discussing Napoli’s January transfer plans.
He stated, “We’re waiting for [Frank] Anguissa, who is an important player, to come back. We’ve missed him a lot. McTominay is showing that he can be decisive in that role. The coach will make his evaluations.”
Napoli remain to have no intentions to sell the Scotland International, although reports suggest that offers in the region of £60m could be considered, which is double the price that they paid for the midfielder.
A return seems to be doubtful, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made it clear that United are aiming to move away from expensive signings, particularly for ageing players.
Where do United need to strengthen?
With uncertainty over tactical side of the long term future of the club, questions remain over which areas of the squad should be a priority.
fans have been calling out for a defensive midfielder to take the strain away from the cemented partnership of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes who featured so heavily under Amorim.
Names such as Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson have circulated around the United fanbase. These profiles would give United a stronger core, which is something they have been lacking with the likes of Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo playing in deeper roles, which are not suited to their strengths.
With United also fighting for a place in the Champions League, currently sitting in sixth place in the Premier League, squad depth is imperative if they want to see consistency in their performances.
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