Liverpool star Andy Robertson has called out rivals Manchester United for making a huge transfer mistake over Napoli ‘king’ Scott McTominay.
McTominay left Old Trafford in August and became a club icon during his first season in Naples after United sold him in a deal worth just £25.7m.
The midfielder provided 12 goals and six assists across 34 Serie A games for Napoli in 2024-25, having been moved into more of an attacking role.
His glowing form saw him crowned Serie A Most Valuable Player after helping his new side land the Italian top-flight title in his debut season.
Robertson believes United showed a lack of ‘respect’ for McTominay as he heaped praise on his Scotland teammate while on international duty.
Get personalised updates on Manchester United every day
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you.
‘Scott McTominay wanted to prove Man Utd wrong’
The Liverpool defender, who captains Scotland, says the 28-year-old had a ‘point to prove’ at Napoli after his exit from United in the summer of 2024.
Quizzed about McTominay’s move to Napoli, Robertson said: ‘I think he went over there with a point to prove.
‘I think he wanted to prove Man United wrong and prove people in the Premier League wrong.
‘He has gone over there and done that pretty successfully. That’s credit to him, credit to his attitude and his determination to be the best version of himself.
‘Now he is a king over there. At Man United he probably lacked getting that run of games consistently, he was in and out and things like that.’
Man Utd showed a lack of ‘respect’ for Scott McTominay
Robertson added: ‘He (McTominay) probably didn’t get the respect he deserves. Then he goes over there, puts in a magnificent season and fair play to him to end it with the league title.
‘Even before he was at Napoli, his standards for Scotland were unbelievable. He’s getting better and better, he has taken it to a whole new level.’
Rio Ferdinand, meanwhile, says players like McTominay and Antony have only found success at ‘smaller clubs’ like Napoli and Real Betis after not being able to handle the ‘pressure’ of being at a club the size of United.
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.’
Speaking after Napoli won the Serie A title, McTominay said: ‘For me to come here and experience this, it’s just a dream.’
Antonio Conte, McTominay’s manager, added: ‘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.’