“He never had…”: Conte pinpoints exactly how Napoli are improving McTominay where United failed

SSC Napoli manager Antonio Conte has lauded the influence and growth of former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.

The Scotland international left Old Trafford in the summer and he has proven a revelation in Italy.

He has fired in 12 goals in all competitions for the Italians, including 11 in the league.

In fact, he leads all central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues in goals this season.

McTominay was on top form once again last weekend as he netted a brace against Torino to give Napoli a three point cushion at the top of the table with just four games to play.

Speaking before Napoli’s crucial match against Lecce later this evening, their manager Conte praised the influence of the former United man on their title push.

In comments carried by beIN SPORTS he stated, “he feels more complete and knowledgeable, and he’s reaching a key stage in his career where he needs to decide his direction.”

Conte also drew contrast between his roles at United and the Italian club and claimed that McTominay was much surer of his role at his new club.

The manager elaborated, “he never had a primary role at Man United, while here we gave him one. He’s worked hard and now he’s a complete player.”

The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur head coach also opined that the entire team has benefitted from McTominay’s renaissance by stating, “his improvement has been shared by the whole team. Otherwise, it would be hard to explain how we’ve earned 74 points.”

Conte’s comments also dovetail with what the club’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, had to say on the reasons behind McTominay’s success in Serie A.

Manna also stated that Napoli had given McTominay a defined role in a way United never could and this was the primary reason behind his growth as a player in Naples.

Feature image Francesco Pecoraro via Getty Images

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