Zola SLAMS Man Utd transfer decision

Cameron Smith

Updated: 17 Oct 2024 12:39 BST
3 min read

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has admitted that he’s been “dazzled” by Scott McTominay’s start to life at Napoli.

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The Scotland international left Manchester United to join the Serie A giants for €30.5 million on Transfer Deadline Day and he has immediately hit the ground running in Italy.

The 27-year-old has two goals and one assist in his last three Napoli appearances, while McTominay’s form has forced Antonio Conte to change his preferred formation in order to accommodate him.

“I’m very surprised. I could not believe that Manchester United released him [McTominay], to be honest,” Zola told Hayters TV.

“I don’t really know what’s the reason but obviously for Napoli it’s been a great deal.

“I think everybody loves him so far, he’s scored goals, performed very well, he left me a little bit dazzled, to be honest, I didn’t expect that.”

While McTominay has shone, Manuel Ugarte, his replacement at Man Utd, has struggled and the Uruguay international has been an unused substitute in the Red Devils’ last two matches.

© IMAGO - Scott McTominay joined Napoli in August

Macheda heaps praise on McTominay

Napoli’s latest superstar has also been praised by Man Utd cult-hero Federico Macheda, who told Radio Kiss Kiss (as reported by TuttoMercatoWeb): “I know McTominay quite well.

“I was almost in the first team at Manchester United and he played for the U-16 side. Back then he didn’t have this physicality but you could see that he was a really good guy.

“I’m happy that he’s settling in well at Napoli and he’s doing it quickly. Changing leagues is not easy and the approach he had proves his will and ability to take on new challenges.

“He’s a jack of all trades as a footballer. He’s good at making offensive runs and helping the team off the ball. He’s a real worker and I’d define him as a fantastic signing.

Current ETV

Scott McTominay

M, DM (C)

Napoli

Scott McTominay

M, DM (C)

Napoli

ETV Range

€20.2M - €33.7M

“Conte’s presence made a lot of sense. When a coach like him wants you in his team it’s hard to say no. I was surprised that Manchester United decided to sell him.

“He always did well there despite their recent complicated seasons. Without any doubt, leaving and going to Napoli was the right choice."