Napoli boss Antonio Conte has revealed he was surprised that one Manchester United transfer was completed last summer with the Italian not expecting the deal to go ahead
Antonio Conte has revealed he was surprised Napoli were able to sign Scott McTominay from Manchester United last summer. The Scotland international helped inspire a Serie A title win in his first season at the club as he played a pivotal role in the success.
United accepted a £25.4million bid for McTominay as they parted ways with the academy product in August 2024, much to ex-Chelsea boss Conte's delight. Then Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag blamed profit and sustainability rules for the sale of the midfielder, admitting he had mixed feelings about the deal.
But while McTominay had struggled to secure a position in the Dutchman's starting XI consistently, he quickly proved his worth to Conte. The 27-year-old deliverd 12 goals and six assists in 34 appearances during his debut season in Italy, including six goals in the final seven matches as Napoli earned the title over Inter Milan on the final day of the season.
And Conte was surprised to have McTominay at his disposal at all. Despite being told by club chiefs that his signature could be secured, the Italian thought Napoli's lack of European football could be problematic.
But the 55-year-old knew the player was underutilised at Old Trafford. Conte was more than happy to take advantage of the opportunity.
"Scott is a player whom I knew really well. He was born and raised at Manchester United," Conte told Sky Sport Italia.
"I could see that he always made an impact when he played, but at the same time, I noticed he wasn't used as a key player at Manchester United.
"He was hardly a starter. Honestly, we had talked about it with [Napoli director] Giovanni Manna. He told me it was a possible solution.
"Sometimes, directors make up stories also to keep you calm. If you ask me: 'Have you ever thought McTominay would surely arrive?' I'd say no.
"Don't forget we were heading into a season without European trophies to play for, so he had to leave Manchester United to start over with us."
Conte was left with a single frustration, McTominay's signing happened too close to the end of the window.
“A bit late, but he arrived and I was very happy because Manna was good at signing him,” Conte said. “We had discussed McTominay, but I didn’t think he would really join us.”
waoekopst
0
You were able to purchase Mctominy due to ETH, who came to destroy MU, like he was in a mission
Amorim he just starting now, ETH is the worst human manager I have ever seen.
pocabemoy
0
Whenever Tommy came on for united he scored those important goals which we severly miss now and saved united from defeat. same with Rashford when this boss came Rashy was scoring .I think you got to be handsome like Holland to survive at united and not be insulted .
pocabemoy
0
I really don't know what is so good about standard of football in England give Tominy credit. He was a good player at united but if someone dont like your face you are doomed in the process united was fumigting themselves with doom by eth and the new BOSSs. I always loved Tommy
Wicbikpty
1
jose Mourinho said mac tominay is the future n why manchester united sell him
jasondrx77
0
You were able to purchase Mctominy due to ETH, who came to destroy MU, like he was in a mission
Amorim did a better job at destruction
tabacmosz
0
whoever made the decision to sell Mctominay is a big ManU enemy.
Yumcelmo
2
McTominay is a good player but serial A cannot be compared to EPL
Shark-V
1
You have De Bruyne now. Win properly
Cibckmnrt
2
same fans critisizing mctominay while ole starts him..
Omatschibuike
3
He did,he joined your club,and the rest,they say is now history. He made instant impacts by not only winning the Seria A with you but also being crown the most valuable player by the end of the season. Bravo 👏
Momaeilpt
1
You were able to purchase Mctominy due to ETH, who came to destroy MU, like he was in a mission
fanaceiop
1
Utd's lost is Napoli's gained.