It was a good decision by Scott McTominay to trade Manchester United for Napoli, judges Alan Shearer. The midfielder is now shining in Italy, after leaving the English club after 22 years.

Scott McTominay’s decision to leave Manchester United for Napoli has proven to be a defining moment in his career, with many including former England striker Alan Shearer praising the move.

After spending over two decades at United, where he struggled to secure a consistent starting role, McTominay made the bold decision to move abroad in search of more opportunities and a fresh start. Shearer, speaking to Betfair, reflected on the midfielder's transition to Italian football, calling it a "smart decision."

Shearer highlighted not just the professional benefits but also the personal growth McTominay is likely experiencing by playing in a different league and living in a new country. "It was a smart decision by McTominay to move to another country and experience something different, not just on the pitch but in life as well," Shearer remarked. He then added, with a hint of curiosity, "I wonder what McTominay thinks now, looking back at what Manchester United is doing this season or rather, not doing when it comes to performances on the pitch."

McTominay’s time at Napoli has been fruitful so far. He has already found the back of the net multiple times and is forging a solid partnership with Romelu Lukaku, another former Manchester United player. The Scottish international appears to be thriving in his new environment, both tactically and in terms of confidence. "He’s already scored a few goals, is developing a good relationship with Romelu Lukaku, and it looks like he’s enjoying himself," Shearer said, adding that from McTominay's perspective, the move seems to be the right one. "From his point of view, he clearly made the right choice to leave Manchester United."

McTominay’s departure was not without its complications. Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, expressed his reluctance to let the midfielder go. According to Ten Hag, financial fair play regulations played a significant role in the decision to sell McTominay. "I would have preferred not to lose him, as Manchester United runs in his veins. He was at the club for more than 22 years and was so important to us. But yes, those are the rules," Ten Hag said, acknowledging the difficult reality of modern football finances.

The departure of McTominay, a player who had been with Manchester United since his youth, marked the end of a long chapter in his career. He had grown up in the club’s academy, rising through the ranks to become a regular member of the first team. Despite his deep connection to United, McTominay often found himself in a rotational role, alternating between the bench and the starting XI. While his passion and commitment were never questioned, the midfielder struggled to cement a regular spot under multiple managers. The arrival of new signings in midfield, combined with tactical shifts, saw McTominay’s opportunities dwindle further, making his exit more inevitable.

Napoli, on the other hand, provided McTominay with the chance to be a key player in a new environment. The Italian side, reigning Serie A champions, welcomed him as part of their efforts to bolster their squad and maintain their dominance in Italy while competing on the European stage. McTominay's arrival in Naples has given him a fresh start, and his performances have indicated that he’s thriving under the pressure of playing for a top club in a different league.

This fresh chapter in McTominay’s career is symbolic of the broader trends in football, where players are increasingly willing to move abroad to reignite their careers. McTominay's success at Napoli is a testament to his ability to adapt to new surroundings and take on new challenges. His growing relationship with Lukaku also shows his ability to form key partnerships that can drive a team forward, something he couldn’t fully showcase at Manchester United.

As Manchester United continues to face difficulties this season, McTominay may indeed be watching from afar with a sense of validation, knowing that he made the right choice for his own development. United, once a team known for its consistency and dominance, has struggled with inconsistency and underperformance, much to the frustration of fans and former players alike. For McTominay, now excelling in Italy, the decision to leave his boyhood club may have been bittersweet, but it has certainly opened doors for him to elevate his game.

The broader conversation surrounding McTominay's move also reflects the financial realities of football. Ten Hag's comments about financial fair play highlight the constraints that clubs like Manchester United face, even when they may not want to part ways with long-serving players. In the end, both McTominay and Manchester United were forced into a situation where parting ways was the best option for both parties.

Looking ahead, McTominay’s future seems bright at Napoli. He’s already making a significant impact, and if his performances continue on this trajectory, he could establish himself as one of the key figures in their quest for both domestic and European glory. His success also serves as a reminder to other players that sometimes leaving a comfort zone whether it be a club where they’ve spent years or a familiar league can lead to newfound opportunities and personal growth.

For Manchester United, McTominay’s exit may be seen as a necessary consequence of modern football's financial and sporting landscape. However, as the club struggles on the pitch, there will undoubtedly be questions about whether they should have done more to retain a player who had such a deep connection to the club. Nonetheless, McTominay's Italian adventure is a story of personal resilience, ambition, and the willingness to embrace change.