Scott McTominay’s career has taken an unexpected turn, and the young Scotsman is now making waves in Italy’s Serie A. After leaving Manchester United against the wishes of former manager Erik ten Hag, McTominay has earned himself a new nickname – “McTotally” – from adoring Napoli fans.

The £25.4 million transfer fee that brought McTominay to the Partenopei was seen as “pure profit” by United’s hierarchy, who were more focused on balancing the books than keeping hold of a promising academy product. However, Ten Hag’s reluctance to sell the midfielder now appears to have been well-founded.

McTominay has taken to Italian football like a duck to water, delivering a string of stellar performances that have been integral to Napoli’s impressive start to the season. The 24-year-old has already contributed a goal and a pair of assists, cementing his status as a key cog in Antonio Conte’s well-oiled machine.

The “McTotally” moniker is a testament to the Scotsman’s relentless work rate and impressive all-round ability. His dominant display against AC Milan, where he partnered fellow Brit Billy Gilmour in midfield, was a particular highlight, as Napoli defended their 2-0 lead to maintain their position at the top of the Serie A table.

United’s hierarchy may come to regret not heeding Ten Hag’s pleas to keep hold of McTominay, whose passion for the Napoli project is evident in his own words. “The pride of playing here is really special,” he said upon his arrival in Naples. “I wanted to come here and push as much as possible because the fans are crazy, I would say they are some of the best fans I have ever seen.”

With his sights set on winning the Scudetto and other trophies, McTominay’s “McTotally” nickname speaks volumes about his determination to make the most of this new chapter in his career. As Napoli continue to impress, the former United man is proving that Ten Hag’s reluctance to sell him may have been well-founded.