Scott McTominay’s reacts to Man United appointing Michael Carrick | OneFootball

Scott McTominay has shown his true colours as the former Manchester United midfielder reacted to Michael Carrick’s start to life as caretaker manager of the Red Devils.

An Italian Renaissance

McTominay left his boyhood club in the summer of 2024 to join Serie A heavyweights Napoli in a £25.7 million deal.

And while many who depart Manchester United end up drifting into obscurity, the Scotland international found a new lease of life at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, taking to Italian culture as well as he did Italian football. McTominay propelled his new side to the Serie A title, scoring 12 goals and providing three assists as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder with the freedom to drive into the opposition box – the exact role he should have been deployed in at Old Trafford.

The 29-year-old was crowned Italy’s Player of the Year at the end of the triumphant campaign, and even finished 18th in the Ballon d’Or rankings last year.

It constitutes a remarkable rise for a player who many fans had dismissed as lacking the technical ability to compete at the highest levels of European football.

The fact that the Premier League has shifted so heavily towards physicality reigning supreme, with a reliance on set-pieces, will make INEOS rue the sale of a 6’4 midfield monster – especially when his replacement, Manuel Ugarte, has been comfortably United’s worst signing.

However, it was also McTominay’s attitude which made him stand out, with the Scot always putting the club first during his time in Manchester, even if it came at his own personal expense. He has also had nothing but positive things to say about United since arriving in Naples – as his recent comments about Carrick demonstrate perfectly.

“I’m very, very proud”

Speaking ahead of Napoli’s clash with Chelsea in the Champions League tomorrow night, McTominay was asked for his reaction to INEOS’s decision to appoint Carrick.

Despite Antonio Conte’s side sitting precariously in the competition, the midfielder took time to shower his former coach at United with praise.

“Michael Carrick is such a great guy. I’ve got so much love and respect for him,” the former Red Devil stated.

“Those two results vs Man City and Arsenal have been amazing, especially for me to watch. So I’m very, very proud of all the players and long may it continue.”

“It doesn’t surprise me. I wish him [Carrick] all the best. The first matches have been great, let’s hope it continues like that.”

Form is temporary, but class is undoubtedly permanent – and the Scot has become a class act since swapping England for Italy, on and off the pitch.

Feature image Francesco Pecoraro via Getty Images

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