Scott McTominay left Manchester United for Napoli in the final week of the window. The midfielder came up through the ranks of the Red Devils’ youth system and represented their first team for seven years.
Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has revealed they first made an approach for the 27-year-old at the start of the summer window.
The director spoke to Radio CRC, relayed by CalcioNapoli24, where he stated they weren’t initially optimistic of signing the player from Manchester United.
McTominay was in and out of Manchester United’s starting XI since Erik ten Hag arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022.
He wanted a move away from the English club and reportedly had opportunities to continue in the Premier League side. However, the Scotland international ultimately wanted to join the Serie A side.
Manna says this made easier for the Naples club to secure an agreement with Ten Hag’s side. He’s heaped praise on the former Manchester United man for making an effort to join Napoli.
“First of all, I have to say that the player really wanted to come to Napoli. This was really satisfying. If a player who plays for Manchester United in the Premier League chooses to come to Napoli, we should all be proud,” he said.
“Initially I didn’t think we could get to closing it despite the contacts that had been made with the agent at the beginning of the transfer market.
“Along the way we continued to maintain these relationships until we sat down with Manchester United, and we understood that the operation could be done.”
McTominay made his Napoli debut in their 4-0 win over Cagliari last weekend.
