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Gianfranco Zola was stunned at Scott McTominay's Manchester United exit as he continues to impress in Serie A with Napoli. The midfielder spent 22 years with United, working his way through the academy ranks before making his senior debut for the Red Devils in 2017.

McTominay was part of the first-team squad for seven years, winning the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup before making a sudden exit to Italy in 2024. The 29-year-old left United for Napoli for a fee of around £25million, a sale crucial to the club's compliance with financial fair play (FFP) regulations.

Chelsea icon Zola was adamant that FFP rulings had to play a part in McTominay's sale due to the talent United were losing in the midfielder. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 59-year-old said: "Certain choices will never be understood. I want to think that Manchester United sold him for reasons related to financial fair play.

"Otherwise I really don't get it. He's a complete footballer, he knows how to be on the pitch, he does everything. And he also scores a lot."

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Zola's comments ring true even more now as he continues to go from strength to strength both for club and for country. However, due to McTominay's homegrown status at United, it seemed like a no-brainer for then-manager Erik ten Hag to sell the Scot and recruit elsewhere in 2024.

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Manuel Ugarte signed a five-year deal just days later for a fee rising to £50m with bonuses, departing Paris Saint-Germain for Old Trafford.

However, this deal ended up falling in Napoli's favour as McTominay has gone on to score 22 goals and provide 10 assists in 67 appearances so far.

The Scotland international won Serie A in his debut campaign in Italy and added the Italian Super Cup this season with a 2-0 win over Bologna in the final.

On the other hand, Ugarte has scored just two goals and assisted six times in 63 appearances for United. McTominay will come up against English opposition this week as Zola's former side Chelsea visit Napoli in Wednesday's Champions League encounter.

Zola's comments ring true about McTominay's 'completeness' as a footballer, with the 29-year-old receiving praise for his performances for club and country.

In November 2025, the midfielder scored a wonder bicycle kick for Scotland in the opening minutes during their crucial World Cup 2026 qualifier against Denmark. The game finished 4-2 to the Scots and McTominay was heavily credited for his international performances in getting the nation to their first World Cup since 1998.