Scott McTominay has described leaving Manchester United for Napoli as a "huge" decision, but one he does not regret as he continues to pursue success. The midfielder departed Old Trafford for the Italian club in 2024 for £25.7 million and has not looked back since.
Ending his two-decade association with United was not an easy task for the Scotland international. However, the levels he has reached in Italy since then suggest he made the right choice.
Career Highs Since Leaving Old Trafford
McTominay, 29, has also been a key figure for Scotland, helping them qualify for this summer's World Cup. Scotland face North Macedonia in the Nations League on Saturday, although McTominay will not feature as he recently underwent minor heart surgery.
Upon leaving United, he told The Times: "Obviously it’s a big decision, there’s no denying that. It was a huge decision for me and my family and my friends. At times like that in your life you just have to say, ‘Do I want to do it? Absolutely,’ and go for it."
"There’s no looking back. I’ve never had any regrets in my life or my career and I continue that way to this day. I want my career to be successful and I’m going to go out of my way to try and push myself to be the best football player and best person that I can possibly be."
Impact in Italy
McTominay came through United's academy, making his debut in 2017. He went on to make 255 appearances for his boyhood club, with his final season arguably his best at United.
His impact in Italy has been significant. He won the Serie A title in his first season, scoring 13 goals, and then lifted the Supercoppa Italiana last season. He was named Serie A Player of the Year for 2025.
Off the pitch, McTominay has embraced Italian life in Naples, from enjoying espresso to discovering fresh tomatoes. Speaking about the affection he receives from locals, he said: "The people in Naples are incredible. They're so passionate and everywhere you go there are people who say 'Forza Napoli' and they want to speak to you and have a conversation and that inspires you every time you go on the pitch because they care."
Recovery and Future
McTominay recently had a scare after being diagnosed with "a mild benign arrhythmia", an abnormal or irregular heart rhythm deemed non-serious and posing no significant risk to overall health. The procedure took place in Manchester earlier this month and ruled him out for two weeks, but he has now returned to training.
Following the operation, he told reporters: "I’m fine, the procedure was something I'd planned to do with the club for quite a while. We’d already talked about it in pre-season, I’ll be out for a few weeks."
Napoli currently sit ninth in Serie A after five games. McTominay has featured in only two games so far due to his surgery. Asked about his contract, which runs until 2028, he remained evasive: "There haven’t been any new talks. The important thing is what happens on the pitch, not the contract extension. I don’t know when it will happen, it’s not the time to be thinking about that."
