Scott McTominay scored a stunning opening goal in Scotland’s historic 4-2 win over Denmark, with the Napoli star once hailed as a future Manchester United great by Sir Alex Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson believed Scott McTominay would be a great player for Manchester United before he moved to Napoli. The midfielder scored Scotland’s stunning opening goal in their 4-2 win over Denmark.
Scotland will qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1998 by making it through the qualifying group. In a thrilling game, they took on Denmark at Hampden to punch their ticket to the North American tournament.
McTominay has enjoyed a successful year, scoring the opening goal with a sensational overhead kick and winning the league with his club Napoli. The 28-year-old will join Italy from United in 2024.
The midfielder was at the Manchester club until he was five years old and was highly praised by his former managers. United may now be regretting that, especially since iconic head coach Ferguson was expected to achieve great results at Old Trafford before being sold.
Back in 2021, Ferguson started to settle into the first team and was asked about McTominay, who was also named stand-in captain for the FA Cup match.
read more: Mike Dean fuels Wayne Rooney intrigue over Man United and Man Cityread more: Manchester United star has sent a heartfelt message to his family after the father-of-two was left in a coma following a horror accident
The Scotland manager, who won 13 Premier League titles with United, praised McTominay and expected him to emerge as one of the team’s vital pieces of the puzzle, which he almost already is.
“Scott McTominay is now emerging as one of Man United’s big players,” Ferguson told the Scottish FA. “When you look at Man United picking their squad for big games, McTominay’s name is in it. He’s a good character and a great trainer. I know a little bit about the kid and I think that’s the background.”
Unfortunately, McTominay was sold in August 2024 for £25.7m. The manager at the time, Erik ten Hag, hinted that he wanted to keep the Scottish player at the club, but their hands were relatively tied due to the high value of the homegrown player to PSR.
Asked about the sale of McTominay, ten Hagg said: “I have mixed feelings.” “I’m very happy for him, but it’s complicated because I don’t want to lose him. He’s Manchester United in everything. He was very important for Manchester United.”
“He’s been here for over 22 years and unfortunately that’s the rule. Local players bring more value and it’s not the right thing to do, but it’s a good deal for everyone and everyone involved. Scott is happy with it and so are Napoli and us.”
Just one year later, McTominay was named Serie A MVP after helping Napoli win the title. The wonder goal-scorer is now set to play in the World Cup and United may be disappointed to let such an influential player leave.
Scotland captain and McTominay’s teammate Andy Robertson said after the historic win: “I’m really happy it ended the way it did. This group of players, this group of staff, this is the best group I’ve ever been around.”
“The manager’s speech before the game was unbelievable. He lived through the big moments we had. When we qualified for the Euros – he didn’t fully remember – we were in Wundervaal. He said, ‘Let’s make it another game.’
“We were very emotional. To be able to do that for him, the staff and the whole family will go down as one of the best nights of my life. That sums up this team. I’m never going to say die.”
“We just kept going till the end and it’s one of the craziest games. We put the country through this game and I’m sure it was worth it. We’ll go to the World Cup.”
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily Manchester United content from Mirror Football. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
