McTominay saw Napoli ‘opportunity’ and insists Conte ‘not so ruthless’ | OneFootball

Scott McTominay explains how he ‘saw an opportunity’ to flourish at Napoli compared to Manchester United, insisting Antonio Conte is ‘not as ruthless as people think, he’s good a good side.’

The midfielder had been struggling for regular playing time and moved around in different roles during his time at Manchester United.

So when Conte swooped in and proposed a move to Serie A, he jumped at the chance to stretch his wings.

McTominay loving life at Napoli

SASSUOLO, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli and teammate Scott McTominay pose for a photo at full-time following their victory in the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and SSC Napoli at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on August 23, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“It was a big decision, but something that was quite straightforward,” McTominay told BBC Sport.

“I saw the passionate fans, I saw the coach, I saw the players, and I saw an opportunity there for myself to push my career further, and I took it.

“I didn’t look back and 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 where as soon as I put my mind to something, I want to do it.

“That’s it, there’s no holding you back.”

The result was a Serie A title and being named Serie A Player of the Season following 12 goals and six assists in 34 matches.

McTominay has also become a hero to the Napoli supporters, earning the very Neapolitan nickname of McFratm.

“I love this place, I love the fans, I love my teammates, it’s been a pleasure to be with Billy (Gilmour) every day, rather than just seeing him with Scotland, and we’ve helped each other a lot,” continued the midfielder.

MONZA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Scott McTominay of Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during 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)

Part of his development has been working with Conte, who made him the core of the team along with Stanislav Lobotka.

“The manager’s been great. He’s very, very demanding, and he’s got a clear structure and ideas in his head of how he wants his team to play.

“But he’s also not as ruthless as what people think. He’s got a good side to him, you can have conversations with him, which is good.

“When it comes to training and working, it’s business, and we’re there to work and we’re there to win and we all share that same ambition, otherwise we would never have come here.”

His performances for Napoli were reflected in the first ever McTominay nomination for the Ballon d’Or, where he finished in 18th place, higher than any other Serie A player.