Keane criticised Manchester United for misusing £21m in-form star

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane highlighted that United made a big mistake with McTominay, leading to his sale to Napoli. He said:

“It just wasn’t a good combo. I know Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] praises both of them – which is beyond me – I always thought there was something in Scott. He had more than Fred going on, but as a partnership it didn’t work, it wasn’t happening, United weren’t competing in midfield. It tarnished him a little bit, “McFred” wasn’t it. He’s added to his game, to be fair to him. He’s always had a goal in him but he’s got that up to another level. If he wasn’t scoring the goals at Napoli we wouldn’t be talking about him. But you can’t keep talking about players who leave a big club and say we should have kept them. You can’t keep everyone. I think McTominay could have been in the group, 100%. But playing every week? I’m talking about the players you need to get Man United back to the top.”

The 28-year-old has made 37 appearances for Napoli in all competitions this season, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists. McTominay’s contribution has helped the Italian club reach the top of the Serie A, one point ahead of Inter Milan.

The Scotland international scored many game-changing goals last season for the Red Devils, amid their struggle under Ten Hag. However, United still treated McTominay as surplus and sold him to Napoli during the summer of 2024.

According to recent transfer rumours, United want McTominay back from Napoli after selling him for just £21 million, as he suits the system that Amorim prefers. The current squad has failed to adjust to that tactical style of play under Amorim, as their struggle continued.

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Given the success that McTominay has enjoyed in Serie A so far, it is highly unlikely that he will risk a change at this moment. However, there is no denying that the former United academy product loves the club dearly, with a potential future return possible.