Update: Scott McTominay sends Manchester United brutal transfer reminder after Newcastle thrashing News

Scott McTominay reminded Manchester United why he should have never been forced out in Napoli’s win at the weekend

Scott McTominay showed Manchester United what they’re missing in Napoli’s 3-0 win over Empoli. The 28-year-old midfielder fired Antonio Conte’s side to victory on Sunday night, scoring two brilliant goals to keep the Italian giants in the Serie A title race.

McTominay, who left United in the summer, fired Napoli ahead inside the opening half an hour with a great strike from range. The Scotland international latched onto a pass from Romelu Lukaku before driving towards the edge of the box and finding the bottom corner.

The 31-year-old striker doubled Gli Azzurri’s lead in the second half, finding the near post from close proximity. Then, a few moments later, Lukaku turned provider – again – clipping a delightful cross into the box.

The former United striker found McTominay, who leapt above his marker and nodded the ball past Devis Vásquez. Speaking to DAZN after the game, the Scot thanked Lukaku for his two assists.

“Romelu is a great teammate,” said McTominay. “He demands a lot from all the team and me to score more goals and create more opportunities for him to score as well. He’s obviously a great player. He’s had a great career, and we’re so happy to have him.”

The former United midfielder has now scored eight goals and provided four assists in 28 games in the Italian top-flight this season. Playing a key role in Conte’s side, he’s helped Napoli mount a bid for the Scudetto.

With six games to go, Napoli are just three points behind Inter Milan, who are eager to defend their title. On Napoli’s title chances, McTominay added: “We must have fun and think about ourselves.

“We’re a strong team and must continue with this playing style and attitude. We must think about ourselves and then we’ll see what Inter will do.”

McTominay graced the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium shortly after Newcastle stormed past United. The club have rued the decision to offload the Scot in exchange for ‘pure profit’, with Ruben Amorim’s side suffering in his absence.

Explaining the midfielder’s controversial departure last year, Erik ten Hag said: “Unfortunately, it’s the rules. You have to discuss the rules to do sales and 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.”

The former United boss added: “I’m very happy for him and for us, but it’s mixed [feelings] because I would have preferred not to lose him. He has Manchester United in his veins… He was so important for our team, he was at Manchester United for over 22 years.”

Then, in an interview with BBC Scotland, McTominay admitted it was difficult to leave United. He said: “It was a big decision, but in some ways it was quite straightforward. I saw the passionate fans, I saw the coach, I saw the players and I saw an opportunity.

“I took it. I didn’t look back. It didn’t take me long to make the decision because I knew that was what I wanted and I’ll never have any regrets in my life. As soon as I put my mind to something I want to do it, that’s it. There’s no holding me back.”

McTominay added: “On my last day, I had to go and see everyone and it was not easy to say goodbye. But that’s football. That’s the life. I spoke to him [Ten Hag]. He expressed his thoughts on the situation.

“I said, ‘listen it’s my career, I am here to push myself on’. In this situation, I have to look out for number one and go with my gut feeling of what I want to do in my career and not be held back by any other external factors.

“It was amicable. I love that football club to bits, they have been my life for 22 years, but I have moved on now. I am thoroughly enjoying myself here.”