Video: Scott McTominay calls out “too easy of an excuse” as he shatters long-held Man United myth

Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay has dismissed suggestions that players perform much better when they part ways with Manchester United. McTominay thriving at Napoli McTominay has enjoyed dramatically improved fortunes since leaving United for Napoli in the summer of 2024. He had been with United since the age of five and came through the ranks to establish himself as a key member of the first team. While several managers utilised McTominay in various roles, it was Erik ten Hag who most effectively harnessed his keen eye for goal and his signature late runs into the box. McTominay scored 10 goals in his last season at Old Trafford. Against Ten Hag’s wishes, the club accepted a £26million offer from Napoli. Since arriving in Naples, McTominay has won a league title, been crowned Serie A MVP, and guided Scotland to the 2026 World Cup. He netted 12 goals and provided an additional six assists as Napoli lifted the Scudetto last term. His fine form has extended into this campaign, with the 29-year-old currently having five goals and three assists to his name in 22 appearances across all competitions. McTominay is part of a growing list of players whose performance appears to improve after leaving United – a group that includes players like Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, Anthony Elanga, and Marcus Rashford. He sat down with CBS Sports Golazo and was asked why this appears to be the case. Rather than take a shot at his boyhood club, McTominay rubbished such suggestions, insisting United gave him everything to succeed. McTominay dismisses myth He said, “It’s just too easy of an excuse to say ‘Oh they left Man United and now they’re doing well.’ In my last year, I did well. I scored 10 goals and we won a trophy.” “With Marcus [Rashford] there’s obviously different issues which might have transpired, which we won’t go into. However, Marcus is a top player and he’s always been a top player. He’s one of the club legends and he’s scored so many goals for Man United, done so many great things.” “Because the spotlight is directly on you, it makes it seem a lot worse, in my opinion.” “Obviously, when players go away and they play more games, they’re going to have an increase in confidence and feel better about themselves rather than playing less minutes at Man United. But when you are at Man United, you have to earn those minutes like Bruno Fernandes, who’s done incredible.” McTominay added, “I think it’s too easy to say that [United are the problem].” Asked whether it’s better for players to leave United and escape from media scrutiny, McTominay answered, “Potentially yeah, but there’s also players who leave, who people don’t speak about too much. But there’s players who everyone speaks about.” “It depends on the individual and I think for me, it’s too easy an excuse to blame Man United as a club. When I was there they did everything for me.” “They helped me with nutrition, helped me with training, helped me tactically, whoever the manager was. Everything is put there for you to succeed. It’s not like they don’t give you certain things that other clubs do. So the myth that they go away and become better players comes down to confidence.” With players like Rasmus Højlund, Antony & Marcus Rashford seeing success after leaving Manchester United… Is this a trend that Scott McTominay sees as well? 👀 pic.twitter.com/BXLoYbZuAg — CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) December 18, 2025 Meanwhile, United are next in action on Sunday when they go away to Villa Park. Feature image Francesco Pecoraro via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!