Rio Ferdinand says Scott McTominay and Antony couldn’t handle the ‘pressure’ of playing for a big club like Manchester United.
McTominay left Old Trafford permanently in August and has shined in his first season at Napoli, with the Scottish midfielder crowned Serie A Most Valuable Player after helping his new side land the Italian top-flight title.
Antony also went up a level after joining Real Betis on loan for the second half of the 2024-25 campaign, with the Spanish team qualifying for the Europa League and reaching the final of the Conference League too.
United, meanwhile, endured a horrific season as they finished 15th in the Premier League and failed to land any silverware but Ferdinand feels it’s been easier for McTominay and Antony to find success at ‘smaller clubs’.
Rio Ferdinand ‘happy’ for McTominay and Antony
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Speaking to ESPN about why McTominay and Antony have done so well away from Old Trafford, Ferdinand said: ‘They came into an environment at United which was lacking confidence, under stress, deep scars from things that have gone on before, and a team changing now, again tactically.
‘It’s different at Manchester United. The pressure is huge. And these guys have gone to Napoli and they’ve gone to Betis, no disrespect, but smaller clubs in terms of pressure.
‘And you’re seeing the best version of them. I’m happy for them, it’s good.’
How McTominay and Antony shined away from Man Utd
McTominay provided 12 goals and six assists across 34 Serie A games for Napoli this season, having been moved into more of an attacking role.
In his 255 appearances as a United player, McTominay scored 29 goals and registered eight assists.
Antony, meanwhile, conjured up 14 goal involvements in 26 games during his loan at Betis.
It was a major return to form, given his spell at United, where he’s only notched up 17 goal involvements across 96 matches to date.
Antony breaks down in tears over Man Utd spell
Antony, back at Old Trafford after his loan spell at Betis, recently broke down in tears over the tough times he’s had on and off the pitch at United.
‘I didn’t feel that desire to play football,’ the winger told TNT Sports last month. ‘I needed to find myself and be happy again because playing football was always something I loved.
‘I went through difficult times when I no longer felt that pleasure. I even always told my brother, I told him that I couldn’t take it anymore.
‘They were very hard days for me. Only I know what it was like to be there at home, not having the strength to even play with my son, going days without eating, staying locked in my room.’
Scott McTominay has become a ‘complete’ player
McTominay has already become a Napoli icon since joining the club in a £25.7m deal from United last summer.
Speaking after Napoli won the Serie A title, the 28-year-old said: ‘The sacrifice of every single player in this group is just incredible.
‘The people deserve it, as they’ve been behind us from day one. For me to come here and experience this, it’s just a dream.’
McTominay’s manager, Antonio Conte, added: ‘He feels more complete and knowledgeable and he’s reaching a key stage in his career.
‘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.’