Baffled Napoli legend Gianfranco Zola admits he still can’t believe that Manchester United allowed Scott McTominay to leave for Serie A last summer.
But the scudetto winner is delighted to see the Scotland international tearing it up in Naples – with Sir Alex Ferguson ultimately proven right about the 27-year-old after his ominous prophecy failed to halt the INEOS clearout. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been conducting a major overhaul at Old Trafford since taking over the reins at the English Premier League heavyweight – with academy graduate McTominay among the long-serving United stalwarts to be shown the door in recent months.
But he has proven there is life after Manchester United following an end to his 22 years with the club – impressing under former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Antonio Conte and playing a key role in Napoli reaching top spot in the Italian top flight. Speaking to Hayters TV, Zola said on McTominay’s Red Devils’ exit: “I am very surprised. I couldn’t believe that Manchester United released him, to be honest.
“I don’t really know what’s the reason, but for Napoli, he has been a great deal. I think everybody loves him so far. He scores goals, he performs very well, and he left me a little bit dazzled, if I am honest. I didn’t expect that. Obviously, it’s a big thing for Italian football. He is doing very well.”
And Ferguson has previously said he found it “very rewarding” to witness Scott McTominay’s rise through the ranks having contributed to his early development. The Old Trafford icon was undoubtedly filled with pride at McTominay’s success – and will have likely been unimpressed by the call to show him the door.
In a sit down with the Scottish FA in 2021, Sir Alex said: “Scott McTominay is now emerging as one of Man United’s big players. When you watch Man United pick their team for a big game, McTominay’s name is in it. He’s a good character, a great trainer. I know a little bit about the boy and I think that’s the background.”
Now, Fergie is the latest named to be shown the door. The club have axed him from his ambassadorial role – with the iconic boss losing out on a £2million-a-year salary.
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