Scott McTominay should never been sold by Man United – Nicky Butt | OneFootball

Manchester United parted ways with Scott McTominay in the summer of 2024.

The Scottish midfielder rose through the ranks at Old Trafford and broke into the first team under former manager Jose Mourinho.

He gained prominence under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and was an integral part of the Norwegian’s team. While he retained his importance under Erik ten Hag, the 28 year old wasn’t a first team regular for the Dutch manager.

The Red Devils opted to cash in on the player last summer, with Napoli reportedly paying £25.7m for his signature. It soon turned out to be money well spent.

McTominay was a hit last season, scoring 13 goals and setting up six more from 39 games in all competitions, helping his team win the Serie A title.

The Scot won the Serie A MVP for his efforts and also earned a place in the 2025 Ballon d’Or shortlist.

United signed Manuel Ugarte last summer

United signed Manuel Ugarte as McTominay’s replacement last summer, but the Uruguayan is yet to live up to expectations.

Many believe that the Red Devils were too hasty in offloading their academy graduate – and club legend Nicky Butt has now echoed those thoughts.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the former England midfielder said that United were wrong to let Scott go.

“Scott would be the first to sit here and say he was not the most gifted and talented footballer on the planet, which I wasn’t, Roy Keane wasn’t,” said Butt.

“But when you’ve got that kind of drive, which Scott has and obviously Roy had, you get yourself through the levels.

“And that is what Scott has done. Scott had the disappointment of leaving Man United, I felt that was wrong to let him go because he is one of your own, he would run through brick walls for you, a Manchester United fan from a family of Manchester United fans.”

McTominay registered 29 goals and eight assists from 255 games for United during his time at the club.

McTominay has won over Napoli fans

McTominay divided opinion among United fans during his stay at Old Trafford, but is now the darling of Naples.

Indeed, fans have created a shrine mural of their beloved ‘McFratm’, as he is now lovingly called, in the San Nicola a Nilo Street in the Decumani District of the city.

Butt went on to add that the Scottish midfielder deserves the ‘god-like’ status he has earned with the Serie A side.

“You go there and his picture is on all the walls. It is great. He has earned all that,” said Butt. “He has grafted, worked hard, had knockbacks and fair play to him, he is a player now. If he’d stayed, he might have stagnated and never got better.”

While McTominay has gone from strength to strength with the Italian champions, United remain in the market for further reinforcements in the middle of the park. The Red Devils are expected to address the position in 2026.

Feature image Francesco Pecoraro via Getty Images

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