Connect with us

Football

Antonio Conte sends message to Manchester United over Scott McTominay impact at Napoli

Published

on

Antonio Conte has credited Scott McTominay’s impressive form at Napoli to the midfielder finally being given a leading role—something he believes was missing during his time at Manchester United.

Since making the £25.7 million move to Serie A last summer, McTominay has become a standout figure in the Italian league. The Scotland international has delivered 11 goals and two assists, helping Napoli maintain their position at the top of the table, three points clear of Inter Milan.

McTominay’s form in April has been particularly notable, with five goals in four matches earning him a nomination for Serie A’s Player of the Month. Conte, who now manages the Italian side, believes the shift in McTominay’s performance can be traced back to his new role within Napoli’s midfield setup.

According to Conte, the key has been placing trust in the player and allowing him to take on more responsibility, both tactically and in leadership.

During his years at Old Trafford, McTominay showed flashes of potential but never fully secured a central position in United’s starting lineup.

Though he managed seven Premier League goals in his final season under Erik ten Hag, he often found himself shuffled across roles without a defined place in the squad.

Ten Hag himself lamented the decision to sell McTominay, suggesting it was driven by the club’s need to comply with Premier League financial regulations rather than performance.

Conte has a different view of McTominay’s value, noting the midfielder’s evolution since arriving in Italy. He praised the 28-year-old for embracing the tactical demands of Serie A and emphasized that the player now has a clearer sense of his path forward.

Conte described McTominay as more complete and confident, attributing his growth to both individual effort and the tactical structure at Napoli.

Conte also pointed out that the transformation in McTominay’s play reflects broader improvements throughout the squad. Napoli’s current success, he said, is a product of collective development and intelligent squad management.

With 74 points on the board, the Italian side is not just benefiting from McTominay’s resurgence but also from a cohesive and adaptive playing philosophy.

In McTominay, Napoli have found not only a goal-scoring midfielder but a player thriving with responsibility—one who perhaps never had the chance to fully develop at Manchester United.

Conte’s belief in him, coupled with the right tactical setup, has turned McTominay into a central figure in a title-challenging team.

As Napoli push toward potential silverware, McTominay’s journey from underutilized asset in the Premier League to Serie A star underscores the importance of the right environment in a player’s career.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Football

FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why

Published

on

By

FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here's why

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.

As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.

Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.

In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.

Continue Reading

Football

New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)

Published

on

By

New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage

The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.

Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.

The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.

Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.

This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.

Continue Reading

Football

Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

Published

on

By

Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.

The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.

According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.

His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.

Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.

Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.

United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.

De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.

The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.

Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.

“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.

“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.

“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2026 Alpays Media.

News
Live Scores
Live TV
App