When Scott McTominay was allowed to leave Manchester United, there was always a lingering fear that the decision might eventually come back to haunt the club.

Under Erik ten Hag, McTominay was largely viewed as an impact option rather than an automatic starter. Yet in his final full Premier League season at Old Trafford, he still managed seven goals and one assist across 32 appearances.

On the surface, that return does not appear to rival Bruno Fernandes’ 10 goals and eight assists in 35 league outings. However, Fernandes accumulated 3,119 minutes compared to McTominay’s 1,891 — a difference of 1,228 minutes, equivalent to more than 13 additional full matches. Context matters, and in context, McTominay’s contribution was significant.

Though criticism inevitably followed Ten Hag for sanctioning the Scot’s departure — especially given his seven years of committed service — it is also true that every manager has his own tactical blueprint. Decisions that appear questionable in hindsight are often rooted in stylistic preference at the time.

Even so, hindsight has been emphatic.

Flourishing at Napoli

McTominay’s first season in Serie A (2024/25) could hardly have gone better. Twelve goals and four assists in 34 league appearances were impressive enough, but being named Serie A Player of the Year underlined just how transformative he had been.

If he had intended to send a message to his former club, he delivered it within 12 months.

Beyond the goals, it was his physicality and relentless energy that defined his impact. In league play, he attempted 400 one-on-one duels — comfortably the most in the squad — winning 208 of them (52%). He also claimed 67 of 122 aerial duels (55%), registered 143 interceptions, won 25 of 43 tackles, and produced 39 headed clearances, the fourth-highest total in the team.

Only two teammates regained possession in the middle third more often than his 81 recoveries, while his 85.1% pass completion rate placed him firmly among the side’s most reliable distributors.

In short, he became the complete modern midfielder: combative, disciplined and decisive in both boxes.

A Dip — But Still Delivering

This season has been more complicated. Napoli, currently third, trail leaders Inter Milan by 14 points, and the team’s overall performances have dipped.

McTominay’s numbers — six league goals and three assists in 23 games, plus four goals and one assist in the UEFA Champions League — are more modest. Yet they remain strong for a midfielder operating in a side that has struggled to find rhythm.

Even without replicating his award-winning heights, he continues to provide steel, drive and tactical flexibility.

A £70m Question

Rumours now suggest Napoli could be open to a sale. Their financial situation is reportedly delicate, and with McTominay earning around £92,000 per week — among the club’s higher salaries — a sizeable transfer fee would represent smart business.

Having signed him for approximately £25m, Napoli are believed to be seeking around £70m this summer — nearly triple their initial outlay.

Despite the figure, United are understood to be assessing the situation.

A Statement Signing?

For co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, whose popularity has dipped amid recent controversies, re-signing a player long adored by the Old Trafford faithful could prove both strategically and symbolically powerful.

There are complicating factors. With the World Cup looming, a strong tournament with Scotland could inflate McTominay’s valuation further. Napoli may well play hardball.

Yet if United believe he offers the leadership, resilience and goal threat their midfield currently lacks, groundwork must begin now.

Allowing him to leave once may prove forgivable. Missing the chance to bring him back at the peak of his powers could be the greater mistake.