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Manchester United are actively searching for midfield reinforcements this summer, and club legend Wayne Rooney has expressed that the team could greatly benefit if former academy product Scott McTominay were to make a return. The Scottish international, who currently represents Napoli in Serie A, is preparing to play for his national side in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

McTominay moved to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in the summer of 2024 after being deemed surplus to requirements by then United boss Erik ten Hag. The Dutch manager brought in Manuel Ugarte as McTominay’s replacement, but the Uruguayan has failed to impress at Old Trafford and is now being linked with a possible transfer away from the club this summer.

Since making the switch to the Partenopei, McTominay has rediscovered his best form. The 29-year-old won the Serie A title in his debut season, was named the league’s Player of the Season, and quickly became a fan favourite in Naples.

In the following campaign, McTominay helped Napoli secure a second-place finish in Serie A and guided them to victory in the Supercoppa Italiana. With such consistent performances, rumours have emerged suggesting a potential blockbuster return to Old Trafford. Rooney believes that such a move would be a tremendous boost for his former club.

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the ex-United captain admitted he was shocked when the club sold McTominay in 2024. Rooney said, “I couldn’t believe Man United let him go when they did because he obviously works extremely hard.”

He continued, “At that time, he was one of the few players you wanted to see on the pitch every week because you could sense that some others weren’t putting in the same effort or giving their best.”

“He made a real impact. Playing in a more advanced role, he scored crucial goals. When Man United decided to move him on, I was thinking, wow, what’s happening here? But yes, you’d absolutely love to have him back at Man United now.”

During his time with Manchester United, McTominay registered 29 goals and eight assists in 255 appearances across all competitions. Since joining Napoli, he has already recorded 27 goals and 10 assists in just 80 matches, further highlighting his remarkable transformation in Serie A.

United are expected to overhaul their midfield this summer as they prepare for the post-Casemiro era. The Brazilian has played his final game for the Red Devils, with his contract set to expire at the end of the month.

The club are hunting for an ideal successor to the veteran midfielder. Reports indicate that United have already secured Atalanta’s Ederson, while West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes is also said to be on INEOS’ shortlist, with a potential move likely before the new season begins.

While the Red Devils aim to add more strength and aggression in midfield, a reunion with McTominay seems improbable this year. The Scotsman will turn 30 later this year and does not fit the current profile of younger players being targeted by the club.

Both Manchester United and McTominay appear to have moved on. The midfielder seems content with life in Italy, and despite Rooney’s heartfelt hope, a dream return to the Theatre of Dreams appears unlikely in the near future.