McTominay had to ´look out for number one´ in Napoli move

Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay has explained why he had to “look after number one” when taking the difficult decision to leave Manchester United in summer.

Since moving to Napoli, McTominay has impressed with four goals and two assists in 15 appearances.

But he explained the factors that led to his Manchester United exit, 22 years since joining as a youth player.

“It was a big decision, but in some ways it was quite straightforward,” the Scotland midfielder told BBC Scotland.

“I saw the passionate fans, I saw the coach, I saw the players and I saw an opportunity.

“I took it. I didn’t look back. It didn’t take me long to make the decision because I knew that was what I wanted and I’ll never have any regrets in my life. As soon as I put my mind to something I want to do it, that’s it. There’s no holding me back.”

McTominay has quickly become a fan favourite in Italy, with his move also coinciding with the arrival of international team-mate Billy Gilmour.

Full time: #UdineseNapoli 1-3

#ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/YGtwwPODG2

— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) December 14, 2024

“I love this place,” said McTominay. “I love the fans, I love my team-mates. It has been a pleasure to be with Billy every day rather than just seeing him at Scotland and we have helped each other a lot.”

The decision to allow McTominay to leave Old Trafford was not necessarily a popular one among fans and players, with then-manager Erik ten Hag having spoken about wanting to keep him but also having to abide by Financial Fair Play rules.

“It was a mutual decision,” said McTominay. “It was a case of – there’s an opportunity there, do you want to go?

“Obviously I know from their side FFP is difficult. It’s not easy for clubs to make a decision in regards to homegrown players, but that was never in my thought process.

“My thought process was coming here, seeing the fans, the coach and hopefully doing really good things.

“On my last day, I had to go and see everyone and it was not easy to say goodbye but that’s football, that’s the life.

“In this situation, I have to look out for number one and go with my gut feeling of what I want to do in my career and not be held back by any other external factors.”