Scott McTominay has demonstrated why Sir Alex Ferguson once tipped him for greatness at Manchester United, with the midfielder now enjoying a remarkable career resurgence at Napoli and becoming a national hero for Scotland.
From United Prospect to Scottish Hero
The 28-year-old midfielder scored a breathtaking overhead kick during Scotland's 4-2 victory over Denmark on Tuesday, securing his country's first World Cup qualification since 1998. This spectacular goal capped an extraordinary year for McTominay, who left Manchester United in August 2024 for £25.7 million after being deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
Since his departure, McTominay has flourished in Italy, winning the Serie A title with Napoli and even earning a nomination for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award. His success story has taken an ironic twist, with the Red Devils potentially regretting their decision to let him go.
Ferguson's Prophetic Praise
The legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had long recognised McTominay's potential, comparing him to another United great, Darren Fletcher. Back in 2021, Ferguson told the Scottish FA: "Scott McTominay is now emerging as one of Man United's big players. When you watch Man United pick their team for a big game, McTominay's name is in it."
Ferguson elaborated on the comparison, noting: "McTominay is of a similar type to Darren - long, lanky, good winner of the ball and a good turn of pace going forward, a great attitude to the game. All these attitudes that Darren Fletcher had, he's got them."
McTominay's Humble Response
When McTominay learned of Ferguson's glowing endorsement, he responded with characteristic humility. "My dad was telling me. It's obviously such a huge honour to be spoken about by someone like Sir Alex," the midfielder said. "For me, it's a chance to keep pushing and a chance to not stop pushing forwards, hopefully making everyone proud of me."
McTominay's admiration for Ferguson extends beyond professional respect. Following the manager's hospitalisation in November 2018, McTominay dedicated Scotland's Euro 2020 qualification to him, saying: "That was one of Scotland's most important victories and it's dedicated to Sir Alex. Whenever I see him at the United games, I speak to him. He's always up for a chat with me."
Even Erik ten Hag, the United manager who sanctioned McTominay's departure, expressed mixed feelings about the transfer. "It is a little bit mixed," Ten Hag admitted. "I am very happy for him, but it is mixed because I wouldn't prefer to lose him. He is Manchester United in everything. He was so important for Manchester United."
McTominay's journey from United academy product - having joined the club at just five years old - to Serie A champion and Scottish national hero has proven Sir Alex Ferguson's prediction correct, demonstrating that sometimes the best players are those who develop away from the spotlight of their childhood clubs.
