Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has been forced to confront his past criticism of Scott McTominay, admitting the club may have committed a major error in selling the midfielder, who has since become a Serie A star with Napoli.
From Old Trafford Outcast to Napoli Hero
The remarkable transformation of Scott McTominay's career since leaving Manchester United has become impossible to ignore. The Scottish international has flourished in Italy, playing a pivotal role in Napoli's success. In just 53 appearances, he has found the net 18 times, won a Serie A title, and was even crowned the league's best player, a stark contrast to his final seasons at Old Trafford.
This stunning form prompted a striking admission from Neville during a recent episode of the football show The Overlap. Reflecting on the transfer, Neville openly questioned whether United had made a "massive mistake" in allowing the 28-year-old to depart.
The Pundit War of Words
Neville's moment of regret was swiftly challenged by fellow pundit and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher. Carragher pointed the finger directly at Neville, suggesting his relentless public analysis had damaged McTominay's prospects at the club.
"You killed him!" Carragher retorted, accusing Neville of consistently claiming McTominay was "not good enough" for United, a narrative that ultimately pushed the player towards the exit.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright supported Carragher's claim, recalling Neville's past comments. Wright remembered Neville explicitly stating United should sell McTominay and argued the constant scrutiny denied the player the "freedom" he needed to perform, which he has now found in Naples.
Neville's Defence and Historical Context
Facing these accusations, Neville mounted a defence. He insisted he never advocated for the club to sell McTominay, maintaining he always viewed him as a valuable squad player who should have been retained among the top 15 or 16 at Old Trafford.
However, this defence clashes with his historical assessments. Back in 2018, Neville publicly doubted whether McTominay was "technically good enough on the ball" to be a starting central midfielder for a club of United's stature. He even suggested the player's physical attributes might make him better suited to a permanent switch to centre-back to secure his long-term future.
The stark difference between those critiques and McTominay's current status as a creative and goalscoring force in Italy's top flight is now the centre of the debate.
The Aftermath and Future Interest
McTominay's success story in Serie A is ongoing, with Napoli fighting to retain their league title. His proven quality at the highest level has already reignited interest from the Premier League, with clubs like Everton reportedly monitoring his situation for a potential return.
The episode serves as a potent reminder of the powerful influence punditry can have on a player's narrative and the fine line between criticism and consequence. While Neville grapples with his past comments, McTominay's performances in Italy offer the most compelling rebuttal of all.
