Scott McTominay explains why he agreed Man Utd exit

Scott McTominay says he is "ready for a new challenge" after completing a £25.7million move to Napoli from Manchester United.

McTominay has signed a long-term deal with the Serie A side and could make his debut when Napoli face Parma this weekend. And in an emotional interview McTominay said he had "absolutely loved" his time at Old Trafford, but was "relishing" his new opportunity with Napoli.

"Whenever my career is done, I'll look back on this stage of my career with Manchester United. I've been here since I was five years old - with great gratitude," he told club media. "I've got so much love with this football club and I'm just so so happy I've been able to experience some of its history and be part of that as a young player coming through as well.

"That's primarily why I wanted them to send a message, just to send my love. I've absolutely loved every minute of being at this football club. I'm just so grateful and thankful for the players, the coaching staff, managers and all the fans as well.

"I would not be in this position without them and my family. I'm going on to another stage in my career now, in Italy, and I'm really looking forward to relishing that and there's a different journey in my life that I'm going to go and embrace and take head-on.

"If you'd said to me seven years ago coming into the first team that I'd be in this position today and had my family experienced some of our favourite moments at Old Trafford and away from home, I would have snapped your hand off.

"I've absolutely loved it and I'm ready for a new challenge. I'm ready to go and embrace it and take it by storm. I've always follow the club and I want to see them win, I want them to do well."

United boss Erik ten Hag admitted he did not want McTominay to leave, but the deal enabled them to complete the signing of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain. "I'm very happy for him," Ten Hag said.

"It's also [a good deal] for us, but it is mixed because I wouldn't prefer to lose him because he's Manchester United in everything. He was so important for our team, for Manchester United, but unfortunately it's the rules.

"We have to discuss the rules, when you have to sell and obviously homegrown and academy players bring more value, that's not the right thing to do. But I think for everyone, for all parts it's a good deal. For Scott, he's happy with it, for Napoli a very good player, but also for us."