Sir Alex Ferguson's comments about Scott McTominay speak volumes after Scotland heroics

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Sir Alex Ferguson believed Scott McTominay would become a Manchester United great before his move to Napoli. The midfielder scored a brilliant opening goal in Scotland' s 4-2 win against Denmark.

For the first time since 1998, Scotland will grace the World Cup having topped their qualifying group. In a thrilling contest, they put Denmark to the sword at Hampden to stamp their ticket to the competition in North America .

McTominay bagged the opener with a sensational overhead kick and he is enjoying a successful year , having won the league with club side Napoli. The 28-year-old moved to Italy from United in 2024 .

The midfielder was with the Manchester club until the age of five and was highly regarded by former managers. Iconic head coach Ferguson, in particular, expected he would amount to great things at Old Trafford before his sale, which United may be regretting.

Back in 2021, Ferguson was asked about McTominay, who had begun to find his feet in the first team and was even named as a stand-in captain for an FA Cup tie.

The Scottish boss, who won 13 Premier League titles at United, sang McTominay's praises and expected that he would emerge as and had almost already become one of his side's pivotal puzzle pieces.

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"Scott McTominay is now emerging as one of Man United's big players," Ferguson told the Scottish FA. "When you watch Man United pick their team for a big game, McTominay's name is in it. He's a good character, a great trainer. I know a little bit about the boy and I think that's the background."

Alas, McTominay was sold in August 2024 for £25.7million. Manager at the time, Erik ten Hag, even hinted that he wished he could have kept the Scotsman at the club, but because of the value homegrown players hold in the eyes of PSR their hands were relatively tied.

"It is a little bit mixed," said Ten Hag when asked about McTominay being sold. "I am very happy for him, but it is mixed because I wouldn't prefer to lose him. He is Manchester United in everything. He was so important for Manchester United.

"He was here for over 22 years but unfortunately, it is the rules. Homegrown players bring more value and that is not the right thing to do but for everyone, for all parties, it is a good deal. Scott is happy with it, and Napoli and us."

Fast forward just over a year and McTominay has been named the Serie A MVP for his role in Napoli's title win. He is now World Cup-bound after scoring a wondergoal and United may rue the fact that they let such an influential player depart .

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Scotland captain and McTominay's team-mate Andy Robertson said after the history-making win: "I'm so glad it's ended up this way. This group of boys, this group of staff, it's the best group I've been involved in.

"The manager's speech before the game was unbelievable. He went through the big moments we've had. Qualifying for the Euros - he couldn't quite remember - we were in Wunderbar. He said 'Let's make it another one.'

"We were quite emotional. To do it for him, the staff and all our families, it'll go down as one of the greatest nights of my life. That just sums up this squad. Never say die.

"We just keep going right to the end and one of the craziest games. We put the country through it, but I'm sure it's worth it. We're going to the World Cup."

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