Analysis: Scott McTominay's Take on Player Improvement Post-Man Utd Departure
Scott McTominay shares his thoughts on why players tend to excel after leaving Manchester United, debunking the notion of easy excuses. From his own journey to the success of former teammates like Marcus Rashford, McTominay provides insightful perspectives.

Scott McTominay has delivered his verdict on why certain players have improved after leaving Manchester United, with the Scotland international saying there is no obvious "excuse" as to why that has happened. McTominay is, as a Serie A title winner with Napoli, one of several stars to have flourished since severing ties with Premier League heavyweights at Old Trafford.The 29-year-old midfielder is a product of the Red Devils’ famed academy system. Having been given his big break by Jose Mourinho, McTominay went on to make 255 appearances for United. He scored 29 goals and helped them to FA Cup and League Cup triumphs.Having struggled to nail down a regular position, while often being asked to fill a holding role in the Red Devils’ engine room, McTomiany embraced the opportunity to head for Italy in the summer of 2024 - with a £26 million ($35m) transfer being agreed.His debut campaign in Naples delivered a top-flight title, a career-best return of 13 goals and a history-making Player of the Year prize. McTominay has also helped to fire Scotland to their first World Cup since 1998.He is not the only player with ties to United that has been starring of late, with Rasmus Hojlund finding the target on seven occasions alongside McTominay at Napoli this season. Marcus Rashford is enjoying a new lease of life at Barcelona, while Antony - who was an £85m ($114m) flop at Old Trafford - has become a cult hero with Real Betis.Quizzed by CBS Sports on why so many of those that stagnated in Manchester have burst into life elsewhere, McTominay said: "It's too easy of an excuse to say, 'Oh they left Man United and now they're doing well.' In my last year, I did well - I scored 10 goals and we won a trophy."With Marcus, obviously there were different issues which might have transpired that we won't go into. However, Marcus is a top player and he's always been a top player, he's one of the club legends, he's scored so many goals for Man United, done so many great things."Because the spotlight is directly on you, it makes it seem a lot worse in my opinion. Obviously, when players go away and they play more games, they're going to have an increase in confidence and feel better about themselves rather than playing less minutes at Man United for example. But when you are at Man United, you have to earn those minutes like Bruno Fernandes, who has done incredible."Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Pressed on whether certain individuals are happy to have escaped the spotlight that they found themselves operating under at United, McTominay added: "Potentially, yeah, but there are also some players who leave who people don't speak about so much. But there also players who everyone speaks about."It depends on the individual and for me, I think it's too easy an excuse to blame Man United as a club. Because whenever I was there, they did everything for me. They helped with my nutrition, training, tactically - everything is put there for you to succeed. It's not like they don't give you certain things that other clubs do."The myth of they go away and they're better players comes down to confidence. If you go away and you play every single game and you score, and then you score again, and then people start speaking, you feel good about yourself and you want to continue in that way."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingPlenty of uncomfortable questions have been asked of why United are struggling to bring the best out of performers that are clearly talented. They have faced criticism for allowing the likes of McTominay to move on, with the 13-time Premier League champions still scratching around for consistency under Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim.It has been suggested that moves could be made to bring McTominay back to his roots, but he is tied to a long-term contract through to 2028 and it would take a sizable offer to tempt Napoli into a sale. He is also happy at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona alongside ‘Queen of Italy’ girlfriend Cam Reading.
Scott McTominay's Perspective on Player Improvement
Scott McTominay, a key figure in Napoli's Serie A title-winning campaign and a pivotal player for Scotland, reflects on the common narrative that players tend to thrive once they leave Manchester United. Dismissing the notion of a simple 'excuse' for this phenomenon, he points out the complexities involved in player development and performance.
Challenges at Manchester United
Having made a significant impact during his time at Old Trafford, McTominay acknowledges both the opportunities and challenges of playing for a club with intense scrutiny and high expectations. He emphasizes the pressure and spotlight that come with being a United player, highlighting the need for players to earn their place and perform consistently.
Confidence and Performance
McTominay delves into the role of confidence in player performance, noting that consistent game time and success can greatly boost a player's morale and form. He cites examples of former teammates who have excelled post-Man Utd, attributing their improvement to increased confidence and opportunities provided by their new clubs.
Club Support and Player Development
Reflecting on his own journey from United to Napoli, McTominay appreciates the support and resources provided by his former club for his development. He stresses that United offers top-notch facilities and training, debunking the misconception that the club hinders player growth. McTominay credits United for equipping him with the tools to succeed.
The Narrative of Player Transfers and Success
McTominay raises questions about the narrative surrounding player transfers from Manchester United and subsequent success elsewhere. He highlights the importance of individual circumstances and player mentality in determining outcomes post-departure. By emphasizing the need for hard work, consistency, and self-belief, McTominay offers a nuanced perspective on player development.
Future Prospects and Club Loyalty
Despite speculations about a possible return to Manchester United, McTominay's commitment to Napoli and his current contract status signal a strong bond with his Italian club. While acknowledging the uncertainty in football, McTominay remains focused on his current goals and is content with his present journey alongside his partner, Cam Reading.








