Napoli boss Antonio Conte has revealed his disbelief at Manchester United’s decision to sell Scott McTominay last summer, while also revealing his plan for Rasmus Hojlund.
Conte gives verdict on United offloading McTominay
McTominay parted ways with United last summer as he sealed a £25.7 million move to Napoli. He had been with the Red Devils since the age of five, but felt he needed to leave in search of regular first-team minutes.
To say the Scotland international has been a success in Italy would be a massive understatement.
In next to no time, he has become a cult figure at Naples courtesy of leading the club to a Scudetto last season. He recorded 12 goals and four assists in 34 appearances, earning him a nomination for the Ballon d’Or.
McTominay has started the 2025/26 campaign in similar style and he looks set to enjoy another fantastic year.
Ahead of Napoli’s Champions League meeting with Manchester City at the Etihad, Conte opened up on working with McTominay, expressing disbelief at the fact that United allowed him to leave.
Conte told reporters, “I knew him when he played with Manchester United because I coached two times in England. I saw great potential in this player and was [asking] why Scott McTominay is not dominant in England because he has great potential.”
“When the possibility happened to sign him for Napoli, honestly in the first moment I didn’t believe that it could happen. It happened and now he is enjoying it.”
The Italian coach added, “For a player like him, he was born in Manchester United and there is a point in your career and life where maybe you need to change and to try another experience.”
“It happened with us and we are really, really happy because we are not only talking about a fantastic player but a fantastic man.”
Conte reveals his plan for Hojlund
On deadline day, Napoli confirmed they had completed the signing of Hojlund from United. The Dane joined the Partenopei on an initial loand deal, which is poised to become an obligation if they qualify for the Champions League.
Hojlund opened his goalscoring account for Napoli on his debut as they beat Fiorentina 3-1.
Asked about Hojlund, Conte explained, “I knew Rasmus because he played with Atalanta and then he came to Man United. In my opinion we are talking about a player with great potential and he is only 22, so he has a whole career ahead of him.”
“When we spoke with him, I felt he was really happy to get this new experience and he said he was ready and wanted to play for me and for Napoli.”
“He has great potential and now it’s up to me to improve him and to grow and to become a really, really top striker. Whether they come from the Premier League or any other championship, the important thing is that the players who arrive or come onto the pitch can give something.”
“Hojlund didn’t have much luck or a great experience in the last couple of years at Man United. He is a 22-year-old who has a whole career in front of him. He’s shown that he has so much potential and so many things that I need to work on to try and implement even more and make them even better.”
Meanwhile, United are back in action on Saturday when they take on Chelsea.
Feature image Francesco Pecoraro via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
