Scott McTominay reveals key factor that made him Italy's best player

Scott McTominay has revealed the key factor that saw him named the best player in Serie A in his debut campaign in Italy.

McTominay was a driving force from midfield as Napoli pipped title rivals Inter to the Scudetto on the final day of the season. The 28-year-old has established himself as a fan favourite in Naples, with a mural already erected in the city following his role in the domestic triumph.

The Scotland international departed Manchester United last summer, a decision that former coach Benni McCarthy has dubbed ‘one of the biggest mistakes in football’. Supporters were happy to see the back of the midfielder at the time, but many would now back up McCarthy’s opinion after a thoroughly disappointing season.

United endured their worst ever Premier League campaign, culminating in their Europa League final loss to Tottenham back in May.

McTominay scored more league goals (12) than any other United player last season, that haul also more than any other central midfielder in Italy’s top tier last term.

Friend in Italy helped McTominay

And the Scot has revealed the key factor that saw him named Serie A’s Most Valuable Player in his debut season at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona after Napoli claimed just their fourth domestic title in their history.

“I’ve been lucky that I have one of my good friends there, Billy Gilmour, he’s been so good,” McTominay said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“We’ve both been sort of helping each other out along the way with what we need and driving, and different things, going to restaurants and training and stuff like that. It’s been great.”

Gilmour, like McTominay, departed the Premier League for Napoli last summer following a two-year spell at Brighton.

The 24-year-old may not have featured as frequently as his compatriot in Italy’s top tier last term, starting 13 league games, but was clearly influential in McTominay’s stunning season.

"I wish the club all the success in the world" 🏆

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scott McTominay reflects on his time at Man United and how he's adjusting to life in Italy#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/TKzsvwQjJp

— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) July 9, 2025

Life in Naples compared to Manchester

McTominay was discussing the change of culture in Naples compared to Manchester, stating: “It’s a totally different way of life over there, the way that you eat, the way that you live and stuff like that.

“It’s different but sometimes in life you have to take yourself out of your comfort zone, and I would never want to be in my comfort zone and if I can go away somewhere and really establish myself and do well, then why not? Who’s to stop me from doing that?”

While McTominay did well for United under Erik ten Hag, they made the decision to sell him last summer to help comply with PSR regulations.

McTominay wants the best for United

United endured a season to forget as they finished 15th, with Ruben Amorim succeeding Ten Hag at the Old Trafford helm last November.

McTominay bears no ill-will towards his former side, however, insisting he wants the “absolute best” for the Premier League side.

“I always want the absolute best for Manchester United,” the Napoli star said. “It’s been my life for 20, 22, 23 years, so for me, I wish the club all the success in the world and I’m with them every step of the way and I want them to do well.”