Scott McTominay: A Star in Italy

In an impressive display, Scott McTominay scored twice for Napoli, bringing his Serie A total to eight goals this season and leading his team to a convincing 3-0 victory over Empoli. This performance underscores what Manchester United has been missing since he departed.

A Stark Comparison with Manchester United

As McTominay shines, his former club sinks further into despair. United suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Newcastle, marking them as one of the worst teams in Premier League history. What's even more staggering? No United player has scored more league goals this season than McTominay, a stark contrast to the team’s current struggles.

While McTominay leads the charge with eight goals, Bruno Fernandes matches his tally, but he stands alone among a squad that has struggled to find the net. Injured Amad Diallo trails behind with six goals, leaving United’s overall league performance at just 38 goals—a glaring issue for manager Ruben Amorim.

Exploiting His True Potential

McTominay's remarkable season in Italy evidences a resurgence; he has become pivotal in Antonio Conte's attack as Napoli vies for the Serie A title. Reports suggest that Erik ten Hag wanted to retain McTominay, but selling him for £25.7 million was a tempting offer that benefitted United's financial books.

Reflecting on his Manchester tenure, McTominay noted, 'I was misprofiled in where I was playing.' Despite his knack for scoring and making impactful runs, he was often used as a No. 6 or even a center-back, roles that didn’t play to his strengths.

A Trend of Departure and Success

Other former United players like Antony, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Elanga are also flourishing after leaving Old Trafford. McTominay's success story serves as a wake-up call for Manchester United, highlighting the need for a more strategic use of their talent.