Gary Neville’s Scott McTominay comment called out as pundit accused of ‘killing’ ex-Man Utd star

Scott McTominay has shone for Napoli since joining the Italian giants from Manchester United and Gary Neville has been told he may have been a prime reason behind his exit

Gary Neville has been accused of ‘killing’ Scott McTominay’s career at Manchester United by Jamie Carragher. The Red Devils academy graduate made 255 appearances for his boyhood club before making a shock move to Italian giants Napoli.

McTominay has shone during his time in Naples, scoring 18 goals in 53 appearances in all competitions. He claimed the Italian title in his debut season and was named the best player in Serie A. Ex-United star Neville has claimed that it might have been an error letting him leave.

Speaking on The Overlap, Neville said: “What’s happened to Scott McTominay? Have we made a massive mistake?”

Fellow pundit Jamie Carragher replied: “You’ve killed another Man United player, that’s what happened. Too much criticism, [saying] he’s not good enough.”

Ian Wright then chimed in as he said: “I remember Gary saying they’ve got to get rid of him. Poor Scott. He just wanted some freedom.”

READ MORE: Mason Mount agrees with Ruben Amorim as Man Utd dressing room sent strong warningREAD MORE: Antony brutally told what Man Utd fans and Ruben Amorim really think of him

However, Neville then insisted that he wasn’t as critical as others thought and suggested that McTominay should have been kept. He added: “I didn’t say he wasn’t good enough… Not me. Seriously I never thought they should have got rid of him. I always said at the time, he’s a squad player, in the 15 or 16. He should never have been got rid of.”

Despite his defence Neville had indeed been critical of McTominay on a number of occasions in the past. Speaking in 2018, he suggested that the Scottish international may have to consider changing his position in order to have a career at Old Trafford.

He said: “McTominay, when I watch him, I’m not sure he’s actually good enough on the ball to be a Man United midfield player.

Was it a mistake to sell McTominay? Share your thoughts in the comments below

“I do think he’s the type that it’s good for him to play games in there – but I do wonder whether if actually he’s got more of a position at centre back eventually, the physicality that he has. He’s a big lad. Is he sharp enough on the ball to be a Man United central midfield player?”

McTominay could potentially be celebrating a second league title come the end of the season. Having helped Napoli to the Italian crown last term, Antonio Conte’s men sit second and are only behind leaders AC Milan on goal difference this time around.

McTominay has actually been linked with a move back to the Premier League on a host of occasions. Everton have recently been credited with an interest. His deal with Napoli is set to run until 2028.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Foo tball content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.