It was clear they didn’t want us – Romelu Lukaku lavished praise on Scott McTominay following the Scots’ dazzling start to life at Napoli
Scott McTominay has now scored two goals in three appearances for Napoli after netting with just 25 seconds on the clock against Como
Romelu Lukaku of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal with team mates during the Serie A match between Napoli and Como 1907 at Diego Maradona on October 4, 2024
Romelu Lukaku during Napoli clash against Como
Romelu Lukaku lavished praise on Scott McTominay following the Scots’ dazzling start to life at Napoli. The 27-year-old midfielder netted his second for the Italian giants in a 3-1 win over Como on Friday night.
Reflecting on their past as Manchester United teammates, Lukaku expressed confidence in their synergy under Antonio Conte. Speaking to Sky Italia, the former Manchester United striker said: “He knows my game, we played together in Manchester for two years. I know his ability in front of goal is lethal, we expect many goals and assists from him. He is doing very well and must continue like this.”
McTominay opened the scoring when he fired the ball into the net off a post from inside the box after latching on to a pass from Lukaku. The Belgium international offered insight into his own adaptation to life in Naples.
“I arrived late, but I’m already integrated,” said Lukaku. “All thanks to my teammates, the technical staff and the fans. We have to continue like this, we’ve won again. Now we all go to the national team and then those of us who remain here will continue to work and prepare for the next games.”
McTominay, who’s part of Steve Clarke’s squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Croatia and Portugal, has made an impressive start since his £30m move to the Serie A. After scoring on his debut for Napoli in their Coppa Italia victory against Palermo, Conte heaped praise on the Scotsman.
“Scott is a player who has goals in his blood; he’s very good at making runs into the box,” said the former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss, as quoted by the Daily Record.
Following his hot streak during Euro 2024 qualification and being the only Scot to score during a disappointing finals, McTominay found the net again in the Nations League with a fine header, giving Scotland an early lead in Lisbon before a second-half comeback resulted in a late defeat, courtesy of Ronaldo’s winner.
Conte hailed McTominay as someone whose DNA includes finding the back of the net: “He has excellent technical qualities, as well as an important physical stature. And he’s strong in the air. In his DNA, he has quite a few goals.”
Erik ten Hag led his Manchester United team to a goalless draw at Villa Park in front of Sir Jim Ratcliffe but questions remain over the former Ajax manager’s future
Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez with Mancheser United’s Casemiro
Aston Villa and Manchester United shared the spoils at Villa Park
Erik ten Hag is facing crunch talks over his future after overseeing Manchester United’s worst ever start to a Premier League season.
United have taken just eight points from their first seven league games and only newly-promoted Southampton have scored fewer goals this season. The United hierarchy – including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe – were at Villa Park to see them held to another goalless draw and a board meeting is expected to be held in London on Tuesday.
United boss Ten Hag admitted they must improve but insisted the owners’ position has not changed and they are still in regular dialogue. Ten Hag said: “We always speak, every week we speak. We are all on board together, on one page, we know what we are working through. It’s a long-term process.
“We have come through two very tough away games. This is a team, we showed the belief and faith we have. You see we had a very good organisation and togetherness. There was good character and good spirit as a team. Determined and resilient.
“It’s external noise. Internally we are disappointed and we know we have to do better. Especially we need to score more. But I don’t have any idea it is different, because they would tell me. We communicate and are very transparent.”
United saw Harry Maguire leave Villa Park with his leg in a protective boot after he was injured before half time while ten Hag admitted Marcus Rashford was lucky not to be sent off.
Rashford was booked by referee Rob Jones for a foul after 59 minutes, then escaped a second yellow card three minutes later and was substituted immediately afterwards.
Erik ten Hag leaving the field after Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Erik ten Hag leaving the field after Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Ten Hag added: “It was maybe his second foul but it would be very harsh but you can have the feeling in an away stadium if you make another one, you can hope the referee knows what he is doing.”
Jonny Evans came into the United back-line and impressed, despite having two central defensive partners after Harry Maguire was forced off injured at the break. Speaking to Match of the Day after the draw, he responded to questions about the pressure on United’s manager.
“It does affect the players. It’s on our minds too,” Evans said. “I think the more experience I’ve got in my career I’ve made sure I do everything you I to be ready and give everything I can to the team.”
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