Gary Lineker says ex-Man Utd star is exactly what Manchester United need
Football pundit Gary Lineker has suggested that former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay is exactly what the struggling Premier League side is currently lacking. The Match of the Day host highlighted McTominay’s combative nature and knack for scoring goals, stating that the Scotland international would thrive under United’s current coach Ruben Amorim.
Scott McTominay is the missing piece at Manchester United amid Napoli brilliance — Gary Lineker.
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Speaking on his podcast The Rest Is Football, Lineker praised McTominay's latest performances for Napoli, where he has quickly become a pivotal figure in their Serie A title race. "Scott McTominay, scored two more goals, one of them a beauty, for Napoli at the beginning of the week," Lineker said. "He's exactly the player I would say that would work in an Amorim system. He's what they need."
McTominay left Old Trafford in a £25 million ($34m) move last summer, a deal influenced heavily by Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR). Despite being a product of United's Academy, the decision to sell him was rooted in financial strategy rather than sporting necessity. That decision now appears increasingly shortsighted as McTominay flourishes in Italy.
Napoli, currently tied on points with Champions League semi-finalists Inter Milan at the top of Serie A, have benefited immensely from McTominay’s energy, physicality, and attacking presence from midfield. His departure has left a visible void in Manchester United’s squad, especially as only Bruno Fernandes has shown consistent form in midfield this season.
Lineker also criticized the PSR, calling it “nonsensical and ridiculous,” especially in the context of forcing clubs to offload homegrown talent. "He's a local lad," Lineker added, "and look how well he's doing away from Old Trafford."
If McTominay helps Napoli secure the Serie A title, his move could serve as a glaring indictment of Manchester United’s current direction. His success abroad is not only elevating his personal stock but also underscoring the questionable decisions being made behind the scenes at Old Trafford.
As Amorim begins to shape the team in his image, the regret over McTominay’s exit may only grow deeper—especially if United’s midfield continues to falter while their former star shines on the continent.
