Former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has been heavily linked with a return to Premier League football.
Scott McTominay has been excellent since leaving Manchester United in 2024. Erik ten Hag chose to sell the Scotland international to fund other transfers, but the now Napoli midfielder didn’t let that keep him down.
United’s former No. 39 began to play in his favoured formation towards the back end of his time in Manchester. Ten Hag experimented with McTominay as a box-crashing attacking midfielder, and he came up trumps on multiple occasions.
Much like Harry Maguire under Rúben Amorim, McTominay found himself on the end of several late winners at Old Trafford, and his goal-scoring form has continued since his move to Naples.
McTominay received a nomination for the Ballon d’Or last season after becoming the Serie A MVP in his first season in Italian football. However, the Carrington graduate now appears to be looking for a return to the Premier League.
Newcastle and Tottenham eye McTominay move
While McTominay is in the form of his life in Italy – playing on the left wing this season with Kevin de Bruyne coming into midfield – a move away from Naples seems to be a real possibility.
TeamTalk have reported that Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur are “keen” on bringing McTominay back to England next summer, if he is open to leaving Napoli.
Barcelona are also reportedly interested in signing McTominay, meaning he could be set for a reunion with former United teammate Marcus Rashford if the England international makes his move permanent next summer.
A January transfer has been ruled out, although sources have said that the former United midfielder would listen to the “right project”. A summer transfer seems like the most likely outcome for McTominay.
While United are mentioned as a possible club for McTominay, Jason Wilcox could be interested in bringing him back to the club, especially if Kobbie Mainoo remains on the substitutes bench. Signing a Carrington graduate could help United maintain their academy record.
United must not make McTominay mistake again
McTominay’s true potential wasn’t realised at Old Trafford until the back end of his tenure at the club. However, his character was the exact mentality that United needed, so selling him was a huge mistake, especially with how good he has gone on to be.
The academy is hugely important to United, but the club have sold or are looking to sell some of the most promising Carrington graduates in recent times. Marcus Rashford – another amazing talent – looks destined to permanently sign for Barcelona and is currently among the best players in Europe.
Last weekend, Rashford faced Real Madrid in the El Clásico and took on Alavaro Carreas. The young Spaniard was once part of the United academy and could’ve been resigned in the summer, but United chose not to despite his clear talent.
While those mistakes have already been made, United cannot make the same mistake with academy players in the future. Selling youth players who won’t make the first team is completely acceptable, but not including a buy-back option or sell-on clause is simply unacceptable.
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