“I was surprised that they decided to sell him” - Ex-Manchester United ace questions Red Devils decision to offload 27-year-old star

Former Manchester United forward Federico Macheda has given his thoughts on the Red Devils' decision to part ways with academy player Scott McTominay. Macheda stated that he is happy to see McTominay adapt quickly to life in Italy but also said he was surprised that Manchester United decided to sell him.

McTominay joined Serie A side Napoli from United in the summer transfer window for a reported fee of €30.5 million. Like McTominay, Federico Macheda was also a part of the Manchester United academy before he was promoted to the senior team in 2009. However, while the latter was playing for United’s senior team, the former was still playing for the club’s youth sides.

The two didn’t have the opportunity to play together at Old Trafford because Macheda left Manchester United three years before McTominay was promoted to the senior team.

While Macheda currently plays for Greek side Asteras Tripolis, he seems to be keeping tabs on McTominay. Speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, the Italian forward said:

“I know McTominay quite well. I was almost in the first team at United while he didn’t play with the under-16s. At the time he didn’t have this physicality but you could see that he was a very good boy. I’m happy that he’s settling in well in Naples and he’s doing it quickly. When you change leagues, it’s not easy and the approach he had shows his desire and ability to accept new challenges. He’s an all-round footballer."

Macheda continued:

''Good at getting into the goal area and helping out when not in possession. He's a real worker and I'd call him a Ma****a purchase (laughs). Conte's presence had a big impact."

"When a coach like that wants you in the team, it's hard to say no. I was surprised that Manchester let him go. He always did well at the Red Devils despite United's difficult last few years. He definitely made the right choice to leave and come to Naples.

Under Erik ten Hag, Scott McTominay was not a regular starter at Manchester United but still impressed in some games as a substitute.

One of his unforgettable cameos as a substitute came in an EPL match against Brentford in 2023. The Scottish midfielder scored two stoppage-time goals to complete a 2-1 home at Old Trafford against the Bees.

How has McTominay fared at Napoli after leaving Manchester United?

Since Scott McTominay moved to Naples from Manchester, he seems to have found his form. Since making his debut as a substitute against Cagliari in the Serie A, he has since been drafted into Antonio Conto’s starting lineup.

The Italian manager deployed him in an advanced midfield role as he seeks to tap into his ability to arrive in the box as a goal threat, a quality he showed at Manchester United last season.

Scott McTominay has played the entirety of Napoli's last three Serie A matches. He scored his first goal for the Azzurri against Palermo in the second round of the Coppa Italia. He came in as a substitute to score his side’s last goal as they trashed the Serie B side 5-0.

The following game, he registered his first assist for Napoli, which came in a 2-0 win against Monza in the Serie A. His most recent goal for the club was against newly promoted side Como. The Scottish midfielder scored in just 26 seconds in the match. Up to date,

McTominay has so far scored two goals and provided an assist for Napoli in five appearances.