'He wanted to prove Man Utd wrong!' - Scott McTominay praised by Scotland team-mate Andy Robertson for Napoli heroics as Liverpool defender mocks Red Devils over sale

The Red Devils agreed to part with another product of their famed academy system when sanctioning a £26 million ($35m) move to Italy for McTominay in the summer of 2024, despite then-manager Erik ten Hag's wishes to keep him.

United are now cursing that decision after seeing McTominay register 12 goals while helping Napoli to Serie A title glory and himself to MVP honours. More uncomfortable questions are being asked of transfer decisions at Old Trafford, with several stars thriving elsewhere on the back of leaving Manchester.

Robertson, who has just helped Liverpool to Premier League title glory, has said of seeing Scotland international team-mate McTominay thrive in Naples: "I think he went over there with a point to prove.

"I think he wanted to prove Manchester United wrong and prove people in the Premier League wrong. He has gone over there and done that pretty successfully. That’s credit to him, credit to his attitude and his determination to be the best version of himself. Now he is a king over there."

McTominay made 255 appearances for United, but struggled to nail down a regular role and position. Robertson added on Napoli’s talismanic attacking midfielder: "At Manchester United he probably lacked getting that run of games consistently, he was in and out and things like that.

"He probably didn’t get the respect he deserves. Then he goes over there, puts in a magnificent season and fair play to him to end it with the league title. Even before he was at Napoli, his standards for Scotland were unbelievable. He’s getting better and better, he has taken it to a whole new level."

While McTominay inspired Napoli to a top-flight crown in Italy, becoming a hero to a passionate fan base at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, United toiled their way to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League and a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.