Manchester United cult hero Federico Macheda ‘surprised’ club sold Scott McTominay to Napoli

Manchester United cult hero Federico Macheda says he is ‘surprised’ the club decided to sell Scott McTominay but believes the midfielder made the ‘right choice’ joining Napoli.

McTominay rose through United’s academy ranks and established himself as an integral member of the first-team squad, helping his boyhood team win the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.

But the 27-year-old – who joined the Red Devils at the age of five – made just 18 league starts under Erik ten Hag last season and the summer arrival of Manuel Ugarte threatened to further limit his minutes in the first-team.

McTominay ultimately made the decision to move on from Old Trafford in search of regular playing time and Napoli went on to wrap up a£25million deal for the Scotland international.

The Serie A outfit also completed the signing of McTominay’s fellow countryman, Billy Gilmour, with the Brighton midfielder moving to Naples for a fee in the region of £12m.

McTominay has quickly won over Napoli supporters with his all-action performances at the heart of Antonio Conte’s midfield and the Scot continues to prove he is more than just an industrious midfielder, netting twice in his opening five games.

Ex-United striker Macheda has been pleased to see McTominay settle into life so quickly in Italy and is confident he will prove to be a ‘fantastic’ signing.

‘I know McTominay quite well,’ Macheda told Italy’s Radio Kiss Kiss.

‘I was almost in the first-team at Manchester United and he played for the Under-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.’

Macheda feels the pull of Napoli head coach Conte would have been key in convincing McTominay to leave United.

‘Conte’s presence is important. When a coach like him wants you in his team it’s hard to say no,’ he added.

‘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.’

West Ham legend Paolo Di Canio has joked that United bosses should be ‘arrested’ over their decision to let McTominay leave.

Alan Shearer, meanwhile, praised McTominay for the bravery he had shown in cutting ties with his boyhood club while discussing the midfielder’s move to Naples.

‘It was a wise decision for Scott McTominay to move countries and experience something different, not only on a football pitch but in life as well,’ ex-England and Newcastle forward Shearer – the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer – told Betfair.

‘I wonder what McTominay thinks, looking back at what Man United are doing this season – or rather what they are not doing in terms of performances on the pitch.

‘Scott will look at himself and think he’s made the right decision because it looks as if the move to Napoli is going well for him.

‘He’s already scored a couple of goals, he’s developing a good relationship with Romelu Lukaku, and it looks like he’s enjoying it so from his point of view, he’s clearly made the right decision to leave Manchester United.’

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