McTominay rallies against notion players improve away from Old Trafford | OneFootball

Former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has dismissed the idea that players automatically improve once they leave Old Trafford, calling it a “myth”.

The 29-year-old completed a move from United to Napoli in August 2024 and enjoyed an outstanding first season in Italy, helping the club lift the Serie A title while also being named the league’s player of the season. His performances were further recognised with a Ballon d’Or nomination.

McTominay is among a number of players who have departed United in recent years and gone on to thrive elsewhere. Antony has found strong form at Real Betis following his loan spell last season, while both Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford have increased their goal output during temporary moves to Napoli and Barcelona respectively.

However, McTominay believes it is overly simplistic to credit that improvement solely to leaving United. Speaking to CBS Sports, he said “it’s just too easy of an excuse” and added that “it’s too easy to blame Man Utd as a club.”

“In my last year (at United) I did well,” McTominay said. “I scored 10 goals and we won a trophy (FA Cup). With Marcus, there was different issues which might have transpired which we won’t go into. However, Marcus is a top player and has always been a top player, he’s one of the club legends, scored so many goals for Man Utd, did so many great things. Because the spotlight is directly on you, it makes it seem a lot worse, in my opinion.”

During his debut campaign with Napoli, McTominay scored 13 times and registered six assists across 38 appearances in all competitions, finishing 18th in the voting for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.