Scott McTominay has enjoyed the support of the Napoli fans all season Scott McTominay was already a hero at Napoli after a season plundering goals - but as he collapsed to the ground in tears of joy after helping them to the Serie A title, he cemented his place as a legend of the club. McTominay hooked in a fine acrobatic volley - his 12th goal of the season - to give Napoli the lead against Cagliari, before former Manchester United team-mate Romelu Lukaku made the game safe with a second. That home win ensured they held off Champions League finalists Inter Milan to claim their fourth Serie A title. As soon after the final whistle went, the Scotland midfielder was named Serie A's Most Valuable Player (MVP) for 2024-25. "I'm lost for words. It's incredible you know, the sacrifice that every single player in the group has put forward to the cause," said McTominay after the game. "And the people deserve it because they've been behind us from day one, and for me to come and experience this is a dream." Leaving United - the club where he had spent nearly all his life - for a new country last summer was a brave move. It now looks an inspired decision. There have been tattoos, flags, cakes and even a shrine of McTominay. Fans wearing kilts too. Naples is a city that treats their heroes like gods - most notably Diego Maradona. BBC Sport looks at how McTominay carved his name in Napoli folkore. A flag in San Ciro's restaurant in Edinburgh has a flag saying 'Napoli. McTominay. Pizza. In that order' Last summer McTominay wanted a change of scenery - and United wanted money to help them fit in with the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The Lancaster-born player had been with United for over 20 years - first attending a soccer school at the club aged five - but made the decision to have a change of scenery. A fee of £25.7m looks like an absolute bargain now. No wonder his former boss at Old Trafford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer,recently told BBC Sport"how you can sell Scott is beyond me". And as he celebrates the title with Napoli, United are facing their worst season since the mid-1970s and a second campaign without Europe since 1985. "He looks like he is loving life," said ex-Scotland midfielder Don Hutchison on TNT Sports. "A lot of backroom staff at Manchester United can be proud of how they turned him into this. "The player has been there for four or five years, but it is going to Napoli and having the confidence of the manager that has taken him up tenfold." And yet the Napoli move nearly did not happen. They were set to sign Frosinone midfielder Marco Brescianini and he was even having a medical. But that move didn't happen - and suddenly McTominay was at Napoli instead and Brescianini went to Atalanta. A sliding-doors moment for Napoli and McTominay. A painting of Scott McTominay in a central Naples shrine emerged this month McTominay has scored 12 goals in 34 Serie A games for Napoli - netting another one in the Coppa Italia. He was the Serie A player of the month for April and is shortlisted again for May. Now he is the MVP, effectively the player of the season. McTominay is the top-scoring midfielder in Serie A this season. By comparison, he only bagged 19 goals in 178 Premier League games for United. The success comes from playing more of an attacking central midfield role in Conte's team. In a lot of his time for United, he played as a defensive midfielder. For Scotland he actually started as a defender in a back three. "Conte changed his system to put him in the best conditions to play," said Naples journalist Vincenzo Credendino. "In the system of Conte he's not a builder, he's a raider - the best option while you have a number nine like Romelu Lukaku, who today plays - and builds - a lot for the team." McTominay ranks near the top for midfielders to touch the ball in the opposition penalty area, and for duels won in Serie A. He also took on a leadership role on Friday, pulling team-mate Amir Rrahmani away from a potential argument in the first half. Credendino added: "You can compare McTominay with the big midfielders of Conte's history. In his first years at Juventus (2011-12 and 2012-13), Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal scored nine and 10 goals respectively. "It's not a coincidence. McTominay is perfect for Conte as Conte is perfect for McTominay." Vik-Ink Tattoo in Naples shared an image of a fan with a tattoo of McTominay's nickname on their lower leg Naples is a one-club city, yet with only a handful of pockets of real success in their history. They really idolise their heroes, most notably Maradona - who was part of their first two title wins - and whom their stadium is now named after. McTominay will never reach those levels - nobody could - but he is still adored as much as a mere mortal can be. McFratm - which roughly translates as McBro in Neapolitan slang - is his favourite nickname. But he has also been called McTerminator, MacGyver and apribottiglie (the bottle opener). Eight of his 12 goals have come with the score at 0-0. "I saw the passionate fans, I saw the coach, I saw the players and I saw an opportunity,"McTominay told BBC Scotland in December. "I took it, I didn't look back. It didn't take me long to make the decision because I knew that was what I wanted and I'll never have any regrets in my life. As soon as I put my mind to something I want to do it, that's it. There's no holding me back. "I love this place, I love the fans, I love my team-mates." San Ciro's restaurant in Edinburgh have a Scotland flag up with the words 'Napoli. McTominay. Pizza. In that order'. That says a lot for a pizza restaurant. Brothers Ciro and Santo Sartore, who were born and raised in Scotland to Neapolitan parents, run the restaurant together. About McTominay's popularity, Ciro said: "In my opinion, it's because of how well he has taken to Napoli. "Napoli fans love when a player commits to the city, and him kissing the Napoli badge shows how much the love and appreciation means to him. Obviously, scoring a lot of goals helps too." A shrine emerged to McTominay in San Nicola a Nilo this month. "Napoli fans could not be happier - he is the symbol of the attitude of this Napoli, with his intensity and sacrifice in every game," added journalist Credendino. "This is something the fans appreciate a lot, as they liked his kiss on the shirt in the match against Palermo in September and the fact he is learning Italian and even Neapolitan." And another way to make himself popular with Napoli and Italian fans? Praising their tomatoes. McTominay told the Athletic,externalrecently: "Oh my goodness, the tomatoes. I never ate them at home, they're just red water. "Here, they actually taste like tomatoes. Now I eat them as a snack. I eat all the vegetables, all of the fruits. It is all so fresh. It's incredible." Before this season no Scot had ever won the Serie A title. Now there are two - because last summer McTominay was not the only Scotland midfielder they signed. His friend Billy Gilmour also came in, from Brighton, and has also played a key role in their success. And they are not the only players from Scotland to lift a major trophy in Italy this season. Bologna, who beat AC Milan in the Coppa Italia final, are captained by Lewis Ferguson. Graeme Souness had been the only previous Scottish winner of the Italian Cup.
How McTominay became a Napoli icon after Man Utd exit
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Scott McTominay's Successful Transition to Napoli Culminates in Serie A Title"
Bbc News
6.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Scott McTominay's journey from Manchester United to Napoli has turned him into a beloved figure in the Italian football scene, culminating in a triumphant Serie A title win. After scoring his 12th goal of the season with a stunning acrobatic volley against Cagliari, McTominay wept tears of joy, solidifying his status as a club legend. His contributions on the pitch were instrumental in securing Napoli's fourth Serie A title, keeping them ahead of rivals Inter Milan. Following the match, he was awarded the Serie A Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2024-25 season, a recognition that reflects his significant impact since joining the club last summer. McTominay expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support from the Napoli fans and acknowledged the collective effort of his teammates in achieving this historic victory. Leaving Manchester United, where he had spent over two decades, was a bold move that has proven to be a wise decision, as McTominay has quickly become a fan favorite, with local supporters even creating tattoos, flags, and shrines in his honor.
The transition to Napoli has allowed McTominay to thrive in a more offensive role, contrasting with his previous defensive responsibilities at Manchester United. He has adapted well to manager Antonio Conte's system, which has maximized his potential and turned him into a prolific scorer. Comparisons have been drawn between McTominay and legendary midfielders in Conte's past, with his goal tally highlighting this transformation. His leadership qualities have also shone through, as he has taken on responsibilities both on and off the field. The passion of the Napoli fans has resonated deeply with McTominay, who has embraced the culture, even learning the local dialect and praising the quality of Italian produce. His impact is further underscored by the camaraderie shared with fellow Scot Billy Gilmour, also a key player in Napoli's success. With McTominay's remarkable season, he has not only rewritten his own narrative but has also etched his name into the rich history of Napoli, a club that treats its heroes with reverence and adoration.
TruthLens AI Analysis
Scott McTominay's transformation from a Manchester United player to an icon at Napoli is a fascinating narrative that highlights both personal and professional growth. The article illustrates how McTominay's successful season in Serie A, capped by a title-winning goal, has endeared him to the Napoli fanbase, suggesting a deep connection between the player and the club’s supporters.
Purpose of the Article
The primary intention behind this article seems to be celebrating McTominay's achievements and the emotional journey he has undergone after leaving Manchester United. By detailing his impact at Napoli, the piece aims to evoke a sense of pride among fans while also shedding light on the player's career trajectory. This narrative also serves to promote the idea that changes can lead to positive outcomes, both for players and clubs.
Public Sentiment and Perception
The article seeks to foster a positive perception of McTominay, portraying him as a dedicated and talented player who has found success in a new environment. The emotional element of his tears of joy after winning the title acts as a powerful symbol of his commitment and connection to Napoli. Such storytelling is likely to resonate well with readers, particularly those who appreciate sports narratives that emphasize personal triumph and loyalty.
Omissions and Underlying Issues
While the article focuses on McTominay's success, it may downplay any potential challenges he faced during his transition, such as adapting to a new culture or the pressure of performing in a different league. This could create an overly idealistic view, potentially masking the complexities of his journey. Furthermore, the narrative does not address the financial aspects of his transfer in detail, which might be relevant to fans interested in the business side of football.
Manipulative Elements
The story has a romanticized tone, which could be seen as manipulative in the sense that it shapes McTominay's narrative to align with a fairy tale-like journey. By emphasizing the support of fans and the celebration of his achievements, it may gloss over any criticisms or challenges he faced during his time at Manchester United or after his transfer.
Level of Truthfulness
The article appears to be largely factual, supported by McTominay's achievements on the field and the reactions of fans. However, the emotional framing may lead some readers to question the full complexity of his story, as it emphasizes the positive aspects while potentially omitting the more nuanced realities of professional sports.
Connection to Broader Themes
This narrative fits into a broader theme of player mobility and the evolving landscape of football, where players often seek new opportunities in different leagues. It reflects on how success at one club can significantly alter a player's legacy and public perception.
Community Support
The article is likely to resonate with communities that celebrate sportsmanship and loyalty, particularly among fans of Napoli and former Manchester United supporters. It taps into a collective emotional experience that fans often share with their players.
Market Impact
From a market perspective, positive coverage of a player like McTominay could influence merchandise sales and sponsorship opportunities for Napoli. Investors and stakeholders in the football industry may view his success as a potential driver of increased revenue and fan engagement.
Global Power Dynamics
While this article may not directly address global power dynamics, it reflects the ongoing changes within football's elite clubs and leagues, highlighting how players navigate these transitions. The focus on McTominay's journey may resonate with broader trends in sports regarding player autonomy and career development.
Artificial Intelligence Influence
There is no clear indication that artificial intelligence played a role in writing this article. However, AI could be used in sports journalism for data analysis or generating statistics. The narrative style suggests a human author, likely focused on storytelling rather than relying on AI-generated content.
In conclusion, while the article presents a compelling and largely positive portrayal of Scott McTominay's career, it is important to recognize the potential omissions and emotional framing that shape the overall narrative. The piece serves a dual purpose of celebrating individual achievement while also engaging readers' sentiments.