Conte: Man United never gave McTominay a ‘primary role’ | OneFootball

Napoli coach Antonio Conte feels Scott McTominay never had a primary role at Manchester United, while now he’s a ‘complete player’ and insists the Partenopei’s title win would be ‘unimaginable.’

Table leaders Napoli visit Lecce tomorrow. With just four games remaining, the Azzurri are enjoying a three-point lead over second-placed Inter.

“There are four matches left for everyone. It can’t be the most important, but it’s certainly crucial for both teams and their goals,” Conte said at a press conference via TuttoNapoli.

Conte was born in Lecce but has received criticism from some of their fans over the years as he has coached the Giallorossi’s biggest rivals, Bari.

MONZA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of Napoli, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Monza and Napoli at U-Power Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“It’s always special, I was born there and became a man in Lecce,” insisted Conte.

“Nothing and nobody can change what I feel for Lecce and its people. That feeling will tie me for life. Even if I live in Turin, my home and parents are in Lecce. During my sabbatical year, I spent a lot of time there.”

Scotland international McTominay, one of Napoli’s summer signings, has left his footprint in the title race with five goals in the last three games.

He has already established a personal record for goals scored in a single campaign, netting 11 times in 30 league matches.

Conte: McTominay never had ‘primary’ Man Utd role

“McTominay is clearly much stronger now than when he arrived,” said Conte.

“He also feels more complete and knowledgeable and he’s reaching a key stage in his career where he needs to decide his direction. He never had a primary role at Man United, while here we gave him one. He’s worked hard and now he’s a complete player. His improvement has been shared by the whole team. Otherwise, it would be hard to explain how we’ve earned 74 points.”

A journalist told Conte that while he lost a few Serie A titles on the final matchday, including one at Juventus in 1999-00, he’s never fallen short as a coach.

“I’ve won a few Scudetti and we are trying to do something unimaginable, which would bring excitement to the environment,” the coach argued.

“We know it would be exceptional, but we haven’t done anything yet. I know football well and we need to remain focused.

“My message to the environment is: stay united. Whatever happens tomorrow, three matches will be left, and we start from a solid base. We’ll be in the Champions League next year and this is important. Today we are playing for the title and it must be a source of pride.We must not bury ourselves, it would be foolish and small-minded.”