Scott McTominay rubs salt into Man Utd wounds once more after 'loopy' Bruno Fernandes message
Scott McTominay got here off the bench to assist Napoli beat Lecce 1-0 on Tuesday evening, with the previous Manchester United midfielder catching the attention – once more – within the Italian prime flight
View 3 PicturesScott McTominay has as soon as once more proven Manchester United what they're lacking out on. The 28-year-old midfielder, who was snapped up by Napoli in August 2024 for a mere £25m, has had a cracking begin to the season, serving to Antonio Conte's facet climb to the highest of Serie A.
He was instrumental in securing victory for the Italian heavyweights in opposition to Lecce on Tuesday evening, coming off the bench to bag three large factors within the title race. Inside moments of McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund approaching, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa lastly broke the impasse for Napoli.
Though the Scotsman wasn't immediately concerned within the aim, his presence undoubtedly altered the sport's dynamics. McTominay, who had an impressive season final time period, had discovered it difficult to copy that influence this season however is now discovering his kind once more.
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Anguissa can be making a splash in Italy, netting the match's solely aim within the 69th minute after connecting with an outstanding cross from David Neres, heading the ball previous Wladimiro Falcone. Napoli at the moment are three factors forward of AC Milan in Serie A as they goal to retain their title as champions of Italy.
Talking to DAZN after the sport, Conte downplayed Gli Azzurri's promising begin to the marketing campaign. The previous Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss dismissed claims that they're benefitting from accidents to Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne as 'fully absurd'.
"Individuals neglect that we’re having to make do," stated Conte, as quoted by TNT Sports activities. "Individuals discuss these large reinforcements. Now, some even attempt to counsel we’re benefiting from the accidents to Lukaku and De Bruyne – it's fully absurd.
View 3 Pictures"All we've acquired in aim now could be [Vanja] Milinkovic-Savic, however some over the summer season had been asking why we had invested a lot in a top quality goalkeeper. [Noah] Lang had two knocks in the identical spot, so I feel his muscle hardened. It isn’t a significant issue.
"I’m glad for him too, having his first begin, as we’d like everybody on this tough second. The essential factor is that we by no means lack the best spirit."
Conte singled out Anguissa, who sits second within the league's scoring charts, while showering his squad with reward for his or her perspective. The Napoli boss stated: "These video games are by no means straightforward, particularly after a match just like the one with Inter that used up a lot power.
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"We performed in opposition to an excellent group. It’s all the time robust to play right here in Lecce. I feel we must always've managed the ultimate levels higher, even when we didn't run many large dangers – mentality is firstly.
"It was an excellent first half, then this penalty may've modified the course of the sport, however our goalkeeper did properly and we went on to deserve the victory. I’m very pleased for Frank.
"If he's always switched on, then there are few gamers like him, however he nonetheless wants to enhance his ending. We have to rating objectives from everybody. It doesn't matter if they’re strikers, midfielders or defenders."
View 3 PicturesMcTominay has made 11 appearances this season, netting 4 instances, together with his most essential aim coming in opposition to Inter Milan simply final weekend. The Scottish worldwide doubled the lead for his group in opposition to the Nerazzurri, slotting residence a wonderfully timed half-volley.
Following the match, McTominay commemorated the second with a celebratory Instagram publish, which quickly surpassed 150,000 likes. Among the many 1000’s of feedback from followers, Bruno Fernandes left a cultured message.
"Pazzesco [love heart eye emoji]," wrote the United skipper, which interprets to 'loopy' in English. McTominay will probably be aiming to take care of his 'loopy' kind when Napoli face off in opposition to Como on Saturday afternoon.
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