Zola's Puzzlement Over McTominay Sale Echoes as Midfielder Excels in Italy
Gianfranco Zola, the revered Chelsea icon, expressed profound astonishment at Scott McTominay's departure from Manchester United in 2024. His comments have gained significant resonance in the intervening years, as the Scottish midfielder has blossomed into a pivotal figure for Napoli and the Scotland national team.
A Sudden Exit from Old Trafford
McTominay's exit from the club he had been associated with for 22 years, rising through the academy to make his senior debut in 2017, came as a surprise to many observers. During his seven-year stint in the first-team squad, he secured both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup. The transfer, valued at approximately £25 million, was widely viewed as a necessary measure for Manchester United to adhere to Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
Zola, speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, was adamant that financial constraints must have been the driving force behind the decision. "Certain choices will never be understood," the 59-year-old stated. "I want to think that Manchester United sold him for reasons related to financial fair play. Otherwise, I really don't get it. He's a complete footballer, he knows how to be on the pitch, he does everything. And he also scores a lot."
Immediate Impact in Serie A
The midfielder's subsequent performances have powerfully validated Zola's assessment. McTominay made an instant impact in Italy, playing a crucial role in Napoli's triumphant Serie A campaign during his debut season. He further embellished his record by helping the club secure the Italian Super Cup this term, with a 2-0 victory over Bologna in the final.
His statistical contribution has been formidable. To date, McTominay has registered 22 goals and provided 10 assists across 67 appearances for Napoli. This output starkly contrasts with the player who was ostensibly brought in to replace him at Manchester United, Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan, signed from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee potentially rising to £50 million, has managed only two goals and six assists in 63 outings for the Red Devils.
International Accolades and a Career Reborn
McTominay's resurgence has extended to the international stage with Scotland. He has been instrumental in their successful qualification for the 2026 World Cup, the nation's first appearance in the tournament since 1998. A highlight of his international contributions came in November 2025, when he scored a spectacular bicycle kick in the opening minutes of a crucial qualifier against Denmark, a match Scotland won 4-2.
His all-round abilities, which Zola praised as demonstrating "completeness", have been on full display. Despite his homegrown status at United making his sale a seemingly straightforward financial decision for the club at the time, the move has unequivocally favoured Napoli and the player's own career trajectory.
The narrative comes full circle this week as McTominay prepares to face English opposition. Napoli are set to host Chelsea, Zola's former club, in a Champions League encounter, offering a poignant reminder of the talent that departed the Premier League.
