McTominay calls £25.7m Man Utd exit a 'huge decision' after Serie A Player of the Year honour

Scott McTominay has described his £25.7 million move from Manchester United to Napoli in 2024 as a “huge decision” — but one he has never regretted, after a debut season in Italy that exceeded almost every expectation.

The Scottish midfielder ended a two-decade association with United, where he made 255 appearances after coming through the academy and making his debut in 2017. Speaking to The Times, McTominay was candid about the weight of the choice. “Obviously it’s a big decision, there’s no denying that. It was a huge decision for me and my family and my friends. At times like that in your life you just have to say, ‘Do I want to do it? Absolutely,’ and go for it.”

“There’s no looking back. I’ve never had any regrets in my life or my career and I continue that way to this day. I want my career to be successful and I’m going to go out of my way to try and push myself to be the best football player and best person that I can possibly be.”

The results have backed up the conviction. McTominay scored 13 goals as Napoli won the Serie A title in his first season, then added the Supercoppa Italiana. He was subsequently named Serie A Player of the Year for 2025 — a remarkable trajectory for a player who arrived in Naples with something to prove.

Off the pitch, the 29-year-old has embraced life in southern Italy with equal enthusiasm, speaking warmly about the city’s culture and its supporters. “The people in Naples are incredible. They’re so passionate and everywhere you go there are people who say ‘Forza Napoli’ and they want to speak to you and have a conversation — and that inspires you every time you go on the pitch because they care.”

McTominay’s momentum has briefly been interrupted by a health scare. He was diagnosed with “a mild benign arrhythmia” — an irregular heart rhythm described as non-serious — and underwent a minor procedure in Manchester earlier this month. The operation ruled him out for two weeks, though he has since returned to training. “I’m fine,” he told reporters. “The procedure was something I’d planned to do with the club for quite a while. We’d already talked about it in pre-season.”

The setback means McTominay will miss Scotland’s Nations League fixture against North Macedonia on Saturday, despite having played a key role in guiding his country to the 2026 World Cup. Napoli, meanwhile, sit ninth in Serie A after five games of the new season, with McTominay yet to build full momentum in the campaign.