‘Incredibly Strong’ Scott McTominay Billed as Best in Serie A as Ex-Man Utd Star Sets Italian Football Alight with Napoli

Scott McTominay’s Italian Job: From Manchester United Roots to Serie A Royalty with Napoli

There are football moves that raise eyebrows, and then there are moves that quietly rewrite careers. Scott McTominay’s decision to leave Manchester United and test himself in Serie A initially fell somewhere between the two. Now, less than two seasons later, it looks like one of the smartest career choices made by a Premier League export in recent years.

Billed as “incredibly strong” by his Napoli team-mate Sam Beukema and officially crowned Serie A Player of the Year for 2025, McTominay has not just adapted to Italian football — he has taken it apart. In the process, the former Manchester United midfielder has gone from reliable squad figure to one of the most dominant all-round midfielders in Europe.

At 29, McTominay is no longer discussed as a player of potential. He is discussed as a finished article, a leader, and arguably the most influential midfielder in Serie A right now.

How McTominay Took Serie A by Storm After Leaving Manchester United

McTominay’s move to Napoli in the summer of 2024 was met with curiosity rather than fanfare. The £26 million transfer fee felt modest for a player with over 250 appearances for Manchester United, but it also reflected how his value had been framed in England: dependable, physical, tactically disciplined — but rarely the main man.

Italy has told a very different story.

From his very first months in Naples, McTominay looked liberated. No longer boxed into narrow tactical definitions, he was encouraged to attack the box, arrive late, and impose himself physically and mentally. The results were immediate and emphatic.

He finished his debut Serie A season with 13 goals — a career-best return — while also playing a key role in Napoli’s title-winning campaign. Those numbers alone would have turned heads. The way he achieved them, however, is what truly impressed observers across Italy.

McTominay was everywhere. Winning duels, breaking lines, scoring crucial goals, dictating tempo. He looked like a midfielder perfectly designed for Serie A’s blend of physicality, structure and tactical nuance.

Serie A Player of the Year: History Rewritten

When McTominay was officially named Serie A Player of the Year for 2025, it was more than just an individual accolade. It was a historic moment.

He became the first Scottish player to ever win the award, placing his name alongside icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimović — players whose impact on Italian football transcended numbers.

For McTominay, the award felt like validation rather than surprise. Those inside Napoli’s dressing room had seen his influence up close. Those watching from the stands had felt it. Opponents had suffered it.

Italian football, often sceptical of Premier League imports, had fully embraced him.

‘Incredibly Strong’: Napoli Team-Mate Explains What Makes McTominay Special

Praise from team-mates often carries more weight than headlines, and Sam Beukema’s words captured why McTominay has become such a revered figure in Naples.

Speaking to Serie A’s official YouTube channel, the Dutch defender was asked to name the strongest player in the league. His answer was immediate.

“I have to say my friend Scott,” Beukema said. “He’s incredibly strong, and he’s also a great human being.”

That balance — physical dominance combined with character — is something Napoli fans repeatedly point to. McTominay is not just admired for his performances, but for the way he carries himself. He trains hard, leads quietly, and sets standards without theatrics.

Antonio Conte’s Vision: Why Napoli Moved for McTominay

Napoli head coach Antonio Conte has never hidden his admiration for McTominay. Long before the transfer became reality, Conte had been questioning why the midfielder had never truly been allowed to dominate games in England.

“I knew him when he played at United,” Conte explained. “I saw great potential. In my mind, I always wondered why he was not dominant in England.”

Conte saw a player built for leadership, intensity and responsibility — attributes that thrive in Serie A. When the opportunity to sign McTominay arose, even he admitted he initially doubted it would be possible.

“It happened, and now he is enjoying it,” Conte said. “There comes a point in your career where you need to change, to try another experience. We are not only talking about a fantastic player, but a good person.”

That trust has been repaid in full.

Peak Years and Personal Balance

At 29, McTominay appears to be playing the best football of his life. Physically stronger, tactically smarter and mentally more settled, he looks like a player fully comfortable in his own skin.

Away from football, his relationship with girlfriend Cam Reading — dubbed “Queen of Italy” by some fans — has helped him settle into life in Naples. Those close to the club say his happiness off the pitch has translated directly into his performances on it.

Naples, with its passion, chaos and devotion to football, seems to suit him.

From Napoli to the World Stage: Scotland’s World Cup Dream

Scott McTominay Napoli 2024-25

McTominay’s club form has carried seamlessly into international football. He was instrumental in helping Scotland qualify for the 2026 World Cup — their first appearance at the tournament since 1998.

For a generation of Scottish fans, McTominay has become the symbol of belief. A player who left comfort behind, found a new level, and dragged his national team forward with him.

Transfer Talk Returns as Serie A Stars Shine

Unsurprisingly, McTominay’s performances have sparked renewed transfer speculation. Despite being under contract with Napoli until 2028, rumours of interest from England have resurfaced, alongside reported admiration from Barcelona.

Napoli, however, are under no pressure to sell. McTominay is central to Conte’s project and adored by supporters.

He is not the only former Premier League player thriving in Italy. Christian Pulisic has become a key figure at AC Milan, while Ademola Lookman has turned into a talisman at Atalanta.

Beukema singled out Lookman as his toughest opponent.

“He’s quick, annoying to play against, unpredictable, very strong,” he said.

A Winning Culture at Napoli

Beukema also spoke glowingly about the environment McTominay has stepped into. He described Naples as “unique,” Conte as “charismatic,” and the atmosphere at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona as “phenomenal.”

He highlighted Frank Anguissa as a “quiet leader,” underlining how Napoli’s squad blends star power with humility — a balance McTominay fits into perfectly.

Trophy Bids Continue as Napoli Chase More Silverware

Scott McTominay Napoli 2025-26

Napoli are firmly in the hunt to defend their Serie A title. After 15 rounds of fixtures, they sit third in the table, just two points behind leaders Juventus.

Next up is the Supercoppa Italiana final against Bologna, another chance for McTominay and his team-mates to add silverware to an already glittering spell.

Whether or not further honours arrive this season, one thing is already clear: Scott McTominay’s move to Italy has transformed his career.

From Manchester United academy graduate to Serie A’s standout performer, he has not only found his place — he has claimed it.