By Martin Graham
Serie A champion. League’s standout player. Cherished by one of football’s most devoted followings. And now named among the 30 candidates for the Ballon d’Or.
For Scott McTominay, the past twelve months have felt like a fairytale he has no desire to end.
Just 347 days after making his final appearance for Manchester United – coming on as a substitute in a 2-1 loss to Brighton – the 28-year-old Napoli and Scotland midfielder secured his place among football’s elite.
While United endured a miserable season, finishing 15th, McTominay thrived in southern Italy. Signed for £25.7m on 30 August, he scored 12 league goals, earned Serie A’s MVP award, and played a decisive role in delivering Napoli’s first league crown since the 1989-90 season.
His acrobatic strike against Cagliari on the final matchday proved a defining moment in their title run – a far cry from his often workmanlike reputation in Manchester.
Conte’s tactical shift transforms McTominay
The turning point in McTominay’s career came from Antonio Conte’s tactical adjustment.
At Old Trafford, he had been primarily deployed in a defensive role, with Scotland even experimenting with him in central defense before manager Steve Clarke advanced him into midfield. Conte adopted a similar approach, pushing him into an attacking role.
The results were immediate. McTominay matched the league’s highest goal tally for a midfielder, finding the net 12 times in 34 appearances. In contrast, he had scored only 19 times in 178 Premier League outings.
Italian journalist Vincenzo Credendino noted that Conte’s system suited him perfectly, comparing McTominay’s impact to the early Juventus years of Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal, when both posted prolific goal returns.
In Serie A, McTominay ranked among the best midfielders for penalty area touches and duels won, underlining his value as a high-energy, goal-oriented presence rather than a deep-lying distributor.
Life in Naples and bond with supporters
Off the pitch, McTominay has embraced his new surroundings. Raised in Lancaster and part of Manchester United since the age of five, he left the club after 255 appearances to challenge himself abroad.
Living far from family, he says, has built his mental resilience. A close friendship with fellow Scotland international Billy Gilmour, who arrived from Brighton the same day, has helped both adapt to the city’s culture and lifestyle.
Napoli’s passionate fanbase has quickly taken him to heart. His image has been painted on a city shrine, his nickname “McFratm” has become popular, and supporters have even had tattoos in his honor.
For McTominay, the devotion of the people fuels his performances. “Everywhere you go, people say ‘Forza Napoli’ and want to talk. It inspires you every time you step onto the pitch,” he said.
Credendino summarized his appeal simply: “He is the embodiment of Napoli’s spirit – intensity, sacrifice, and commitment in every game.”
