Scott McTominay’s return to Manchester United looks unlikely, at least following the latest comments from Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna. Since moving to the Serie A club in 2024, the Scotland international has improved to become one of Europe’s most influential midfielders.
He was key to Napoli’s title win last season, scoring 12 goals in 34 appearances and was named Serie A’s best player. His rapid rise in Italy has led many to describe United’s £30m sale as one of the club’s biggest transfer flops in recent years. Fans have been clamoring for a reunion over the past 18 months, with recent reports even suggesting the 29-year-old could make a surprise return to Old Trafford. However, those rumors were allayed by Mana, who stressed the importance of McTominay when discussing Napoli’s transfer approach in January.
“We are waiting for (Frank) Anguissa, who is an important player, to come back,” Mana said. “We missed him very much. McTominay has shown that he can be decisive in that role. The manager will make his assessment.”
McTominay has been an almost constant presence in manager Antonio Conte’s line-up since arriving at Napoli. Although he did not match his scoring record last season, he played in important moments this season as well, scoring important goals against Inter Milan in Serie A and PSV in the Champions League.
Napoli have no intention of letting their star midfielder go, but some reports suggest he could receive an offer of around £60 million. With United looking for more dynamism in their midfield and with Casemiro and Koby Mainu potentially leaving the club this year, McTominay’s name has understandably emerged as a target.
Nevertheless, such a transfer seems questionable. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made no secret of his desire to avoid big-money transfers for older players, and signing him for that amount would be inconsistent with the club’s evolving plans.
There is also uncertainty regarding United’s reinforcements following the sacking of manager Ruben Amorim, and it is unclear which positions will be prioritized in this slot.
McTominay may also have no intention of returning. The former United player has clearly improved in Italy and his status as Napoli’s talisman will be difficult to replicate at Old Trafford.
It was this lack of awareness that was part of the reason he quit in the first place. Despite consistent performances for club and country during his seven years in United’s first team, McTominay was never treated as a superstar and was often played in roles and positions that didn’t suit him.
It therefore looks increasingly likely that his future lies with Napoli, where he has gained the freedom and recognition he did not have in Manchester. While it may be painful for United fans to see a former player succeed on the big stage, it also proves that a fresh environment can be exactly what a player needs to reach his full potential.
