"The Red who lived his dream" - Manchester United send message to Scott McTominay as he joins Napoli
Manchester United have paid tribute to midfielder Scott McTominay as he leaves to join Napoli. The move was confirmed by the Premier League giants on their website on Friday (August 30).
McTominay, 27, came up through the ranks at Old Trafford before making his first-team debut in the 2016-17 season. Since making his club debut under Jose Mourinho in 2017, the Scot, In 255 appearances across competitions, contributed 29 goals and eight assists.
The Scotland international registered his most prolific club-footabll campaign last season, bagging 10 goals and three assists in 43 games across competitions. However, he became surplus to requirements, with his last outing coming in the 2-1 Premier League defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.
Following the confirmaation of his move to Napoli - where he has signed a four-year deal - United posted for the outgoing midfielder:
"The Red who lived his dream. Your United family wishes you nothing but success in this new chapter. Thank you Scott!"
McTominay is set to reunite with his former Red Devils teammate Romelu Lukaku, who moved to the 2022-23 Serie A champions on a permanent move from Chelsea this summer.
As per the BBC, Scott McTominay has been snapped up the Partenopei in a deal worth £25.7 million.
"Scott McTominay was so important for our team" - Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has 'mixed' feelings following the departure of Scott McTominay to Napoli. The Scotsman was a reliable midfield presence for the club over the years.
Nevertheless, the Dutch boss reckons it's a 'good' deal despite the value a homegrown player like McTominay had brought to Old Trafford.. Teh Hag said (as per the BBC):
"I'm very happy for him. It's also [a good deal] for us, but it is mixed because I wouldn't prefer to lose him because he's Manchester United in everything. He was so important for our team, for Manchester United, but unfortunately it's the rules.
"We have to discuss the rules, when you have to sell and obviously homegrown and academy players bring more value, that's not the right thing to do. But I think for everyone, for all parts it's a good deal. For Scott, he's happy with it, for Napoli a very good player, but also for us."
The Red Devils next take on arch-rivals Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday (September 1).