Former Manchester United captain Ashley Young has voiced his surprise at the club’s decision to part ways with midfielder Scott McTominay, a player he believes had both the mindset and ability to make a lasting impact at Old Trafford.
Now thriving under Antonio Conte at Serie A side Napoli, McTominay’s departure continues to be a thing of discussion among fans and former teammates alike.
Ashley Young, who wore the United shirt for nearly a decade, shared his thoughts during an interview with Sky Sports, reflecting on his time at the club and his close observations of McTominay’s development.
The 28-year-old Scotland international rose through the ranks of United’s academy, eventually breaking into the senior team during Jose Mourinho’s reign in 2017.
Young described McTominay as a player who stood out early on, not necessarily because of flashy skill, but due to his work ethic, hunger, and self-belief.
“He was one of those youngsters who came into the first-team setup and instantly showed what he was about,” Young said. “He had that hunger, desire, and belief you need to succeed at a club like Manchester United. From day one, you could tell he just wanted to give everything.”
Despite showing promise and delivering solid performances in various competitions, McTominay struggled to become a consistent starter at United.
His role under different managers fluctuated, with appearances often limited by tactical shifts and the club’s regular recruitment of new midfielders.
Eventually, the decision was made to sell him in the summer transfer window, with Italian giants Napoli snapping him up in what has turned out to be a smart piece of business.
Since his move to Italy, McTominay has quickly adapted to life in Serie A and become an integral part of Conte’s midfield setup.
His physical presence, tireless running, and knack for arriving late into the box have made him a key figure for the Partenopei. According to Young, it was this exact skillset that should have convinced United to hold onto him longer.
“I was surprised that Manchester United let him leave,” Young continued. “To me, Scott was always someone who would benefit from a fresh challenge, but I didn’t expect that challenge to come so soon, or for United to give up on him. Once I heard Napoli had signed him and Conte was involved, I knew it would click. Conte values hard work, discipline, and players who give everything — Scott ticks every box.”
Young, now playing for Everton, reminisced about their time together at United, noting that McTominay always had a mature head on young shoulders. The pair shared the pitch on several occasions, including 47 competitive matches together across domestic and European competitions.
