Man United news as Napoli chief clarifies transfer stance and Scott McTominay sparks tension
Manchester United face a daunting trip to Villa Park as they play the in-form Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, after their thrilling draw with Bournemouth
Former Manchester United man Scott McTominay endured an eventful cup tie with Napoli(Image: Getty)
Despite a rocky start to the season, United have managed to climb to sixth place in the top-flight table. However, they face a formidable challenge as they head to Villa Park, with Unai Emery’s team boasting a nine-game winning streak across all competitions.
Bryan Mbeumo will be absent due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, but it’s an ex-United midfielder who’s making waves as Scott McTominay’s Napoli advanced to a cup final in Italy. The Manchester Evening News provides all the latest updates from Old Trafford, including comments from a Napoli director about potentially signing a current United player.
Scott McTominay involved in cup fracas
Since his departure from Old Trafford for Napoli in 2024, McTominay has flourished, securing a league title and being named Serie A’s Most Valuable Player last year for his efforts.
On Thursday evening, his team faced AC Milan in a crucial Supercoppa Italiana semi-final, emerging victorious with a 2-0 win thanks to goals from David Neres and United loanee Rasmus Hojlund.
However, tensions flared in the 81st minute when Napoli were leading 2-0. A brawl ensued after McTominay committed a foul in midfield and the referee blew the whistle. As this happened, the ball rolled towards former Chelsea star Fikayo Tomori
Tomori, with McTominay running towards him, kicked the ball at the Scottish star. McTominay did not take kindly to this and squared up to Tomori, with team-mates rushing in to break the pair up.
Words were exchanged and McTominay became furious. Both players were shown yellow cards for the altercation, which involved mainly pushing and shouting and the game concluded with a 2-0 score.
Kobbie Mainoo update given
Transfer speculation suggests that McTominay could soon be joined at Napoli by youngster Kobbie Mainoo. The 20-year-old has struggled to secure a place in Amorim’s first team and even requested a loan move during the summer.
Mainoo, who continues to warm the bench amidst rumours of a potential departure from Old Trafford in January, could find himself heading to Italy.
With McTominay and Hojlund currently on loan at Napoli, the Serie A club has emerged as a potential suitor for Mainoo, whose brother appeared donning a “free Kobbie Mainoo” T-shirt at the Bournemouth draw.
Ahead of their cup semi-final victory, Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna addressed the rumours linking Mainoo with a move to his club.
Speaking to Sportmediaset, Manna said: “Mainoo? I’ve always said we need to be very thoughtful and cautious in the January transfer window.
“We have strong players out who will return sooner or later. We need to make the right assessments, wait for the news in the next few days and then see what happens.”
