Napoli’s global business development officer has concerns about the Italian giants ability to keep McTominay amid Premier League return rumours.
Manchester United’s midfield has been a topic of discussion among fans since the start of the season, when INEOS failed to bring in a player to strengthen the area of the field, leading to lacklustre performances and the Red Devils being dominated in the middle of the park.
However, Michael Carrick’s arrival as interim manager has led to an upturn in form and a much more dominant midfield. The fact that Carrick made over 300 appearances for United in that position may be why his group of players have significantly improved their performances compared to under Ruben Amorim.
It is still agreed that a midfielder needs to be brought in to strengthen the side further, and has only been highlighted further since the announcement that Casemiro would be departing Old Trafford at the end of the season.
The Brazilian has played a key role in Carrick’s transformation of the squad and will be sorely missed for his experience and passion on the pitch.
Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes have been shining lights in the side recently, but they are not enough on their own, looking towards the end of the season and the next campaign. Many targets have been speculated, and one in particular stands out.
Napoli may not be able to keep hold of McTominay
Scott McTominay was a player who divided the fanbase when he was at the club. Having come through the academy, he was a player whom all fans wanted to see succeed, but frustrated many with his performances, similar to Mainoo.
His move to Napoli completely reignited the Scotsman’s career as he won Serie A with Gli Azzurri last season, and has carried over his impressive form into the current campaign with 13 goal involvements so far, following his 19 last season.
A return to the Premier League has been rumoured for months, with the 29-year-old seemingly having one last chance to prove himself in England during the prime of his career. This even includes reports suggesting that United are exploring the possibility of an Old Trafford return.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Napoli’s global business development officer, Leonardo Giammarioli, admitted there isn’t much the Italian side could do to prevent McTominay moving away from Naples,
“Yeah, of course I’m worried, but ultimately, Scott, who’s a very nice guy, we’re happy if he gets to the next level in a couple of years – maybe not now, maybe not next year, but he deserves it.
“Look at Stuttgart, they wanted to keep Nick Woltemade, but when such an offer comes in, there’s not much you can do, when the player wants to go, and money is important. It’s a bit complicated for Serie A and our competitive clubs…the league is still making losses in revenue.
“Of course, it’s hard to keep up with the other big four leagues, but we’re trying to improve and be competitive.
Would a McTominay return to United work?
McTominay is currently one of the most highly rated midfielders in world football, having made a significant impact at Napoli since moving to Italy in the summer of 2024, helping the club secure the league title through his partnership with fellow Scotland international Billy Gilmour.
However, a return to the Premier League seems inevitable, especially if McTominay can continue his good form until the end of the season and help Napoli in their fight to retain the Serie A title. Having not qualified for the Champions League knockout stages this campaign, it would surely be essential to achieve this through the league.
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On paper, the move seems ideal for both McTominay and Manchester United, especially if the Red Devils can qualify for the Champions League under the guidance of Michael Carrick this season.
But the Scotsman’s vast improvement immediately after departing United may sway him to other parts of the country, with other clubs he does not have a history with, in an attempt to continue to be the main focal point of a side, rather than a small part of a larger system.
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