Antonio Conte sends message to Man Utd about Scott McTominay that speaks volumes

Antonio Conte has claimed that didn't flourish at like he has at Napoli because he wasn't given an appropriate role in the squad. The Scottish midfielder has made 31 appearances for the Serie A leaders this season, scoring 11 goals and assisting twice to help them make a serious push for the title.

With favourable fixtures coming up for , and a potential title on the line, immediately after exiting the Red Devils. While the midfield maestro was a bright spark in a struggling side, he's made the next step in his career in Italy.

His current manager Conte is adamant that McTominay has flourished since because of his consistency in the starting XI - and his "main role" within the team. Speaking ahead of the team's next clash with Lecce, the 55-year-old said: "I think McTominay is stronger today than when he arrived from United.

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"Here he has grown a lot. I think that he himself feels stronger, with more knowledge, that he is also reaching an important stage of his age to understand where to go in his career because up to now he has been in the middle.

"He has never had a main role at United that instead we have given him here, he has grown a lot by working, today he is complete. But the improvement that he has had, everyone has had, otherwise it becomes difficult to explain why today we have 74 points."

The Carrington graduate made 255 appearances for United, scoring 29 goals and assisting eight times from a central defensive role. In his time at Old Trafford, McTominay managed to win the and Carabao Cup, both of which came under Erik ten Hag's leadership.

The former United boss previously admitted that he wasn't happy with the Scot's sale to Napoli, claiming that the midfielder was "so important" to the team.

Before his departure, Ten Hag said: "I am a little mixed. I am very happy for him but I would prefer not to lose him because he was so important for our team.

"He was at Manchester United for over 22 years. But unfortunately, it’s the rules. You have to discuss the rules to do sales. Obviously, homegrown players, academy players, bring more value.

"It’s not the right thing to do, but for everyone, for all parts, it’s a good deal. For Scott, he is happy with it. Of course, for Napoli, a very good player, but also for us."

United have been left to rue not finding a consistent position for McTominay like Napoli have. His irregular game time contributed to his decision to leave, and it's yet another saga that sums up the issues his former club have been blighted by.

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