Sheringham Makes Plea for McTominay Return as Man Utd Eye Summer Exit Reversal

Teddy Sheringham has thrown his weight behind a potential reunion between Manchester United and Scott McTominay, labelling the midfielder's departure last summer a significant misstep by the club.

United allowed McTominay to depart Old Trafford in summer 2024 as they navigated the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules. The midfielder has since flourished at Napoli, helping the Italian side clinch their fourth Scudetto in his debut campaign whilst contributing 12 goals and four assists across 34 Serie A matches from midfield.

The Scotland international has continued that rich vein of form this season, amassing ten goals and three assists in 31 appearances across all competitions for the Serie A outfit.

Reports have begun circulating that United are actively pursuing a route back to Old Trafford for the 27-year-old, with suggestions emerging that the Red Devils are "accelerating" negotiations to bring him home. According to one outlet, sources close to the potential deal indicated that the forthcoming weeks could prove pivotal, with Napoli attempting to persuade McTominay to commit his future to the club through an improved contract offer.

Speaking to MrQ, Sheringham expressed his frustration at witnessing McTominay's success away from Manchester. "I'm devastated to see Scott McTominay performing so well somewhere else," the former striker said. "Manchester United could do with Scott McTominay right this minute."

Sheringham highlighted McTominay's value as a player who thrives during difficult periods. "When he left Manchester United, I wasn't happy. Scott McTominay is one of those players who digs in when things aren't going quite so well and makes things happen. That's exactly what you need when you're struggling."

The 58-year-old was adamant that should McTominay opt to return to English football, only United would represent an acceptable destination. "If he comes back to England, then there's no way Manchester United can miss out on him. He simply cannot come back to the Premier League without going to Manchester United. That would be a travesty."

However, Gordon Strachan has urged caution over a potential homecoming, questioning whether United's current setup would suit McTominay's strengths. Speaking to BetVictor, the former Scotland manager suggested the midfielder should avoid "retracing his steps."

"I think he has to go into a system that allows him to be the midfield player who gets into the box without too many touches," Strachan explained. "That's what he fell upon at Napoli—a system that suits him to be free to just get in the box. Would Manchester United play like that?"

Strachan pointed to the presence of Bruno Fernandes operating as a number 10, alongside Casemiro's attacking tendencies, as potential obstacles to McTominay receiving the same freedoms he's enjoyed in Serie A. "Does he like going back there, taking the ball from the back four, and playing from there and running from there? Or does he prefer being 30 yards further up the pitch, waiting for crosses, doing edge-of-the-box stuff?"

The veteran nonetheless acknowledged that McTominay's performances have afforded him genuine options about his next move.