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Former Manchester United star Scott McTominay has opened up about a heartfelt gesture from legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scottish midfielder is preparing for an exciting summer after playing a crucial role in helping Scotland qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

McTominay came through the youth system at Old Trafford and made his senior debut under Jose Mourinho. It is widely believed that Sir Alex personally recommended McTominay to Mourinho, expressing his faith in the youngster’s potential to succeed at Manchester United.

Under Mourinho’s successor, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, McTominay became a regular face in the starting lineup, although his performances often divided fan opinion. However, the arrival of Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford in 2022 marked a major shift in McTominay’s journey.

The Dutch manager decided to sell McTominay in the summer of 2024 and brought in Manuel Ugarte as his replacement. The then 29-year-old midfielder made the move to Napoli, where he revitalised his career in impressive fashion.

In his debut Serie A season, McTominay helped Napoli clinch the league title, contributing 13 goals and six assists in 39 appearances. His performances not only earned him a Ballon d’Or nomination but also solidified his place in the hearts of Napoli supporters.

Fondly nicknamed “McFratm,” McTominay even has a mural dedicated to him on San Nicola a Nilo Street in Naples’ Decumani District. This season, the Scottish international has continued to shine for the Partenopei, guiding them to a second-place finish in Serie A and victory in the Supercoppa Italiana.

McTominay wrapped up his second Serie A campaign with 14 goals and four assists in 44 matches across all competitions.

The midfielder’s success story in Italy contrasts sharply with Ugarte’s limited role at Manchester United, suggesting that the club may have misjudged the transfer. Recent reports have linked McTominay with a potential return to Old Trafford, especially as the Red Devils look to strengthen their midfield this summer.

In a recent interview, McTominay discussed several topics, including a private conversation he shared with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Speaking to British GQ Magazine, McTominay said, “I spoke to Sir Alex in September, which was amazing. He called me, and I was extremely grateful that he took the time to speak to me and just ask me about how I was doing and about football.”

He added, “It was really lovely to talk to him. I was just a young boy when he left Manchester United, so for him to remember me was very special because, in my opinion, he’s the greatest ever.”

Recalling the call, McTominay continued, “It came from No Caller ID. I picked up and said, ‘Hello?’ because I always answer every call [laughs]. Then he said, ‘How are you doing, son?’ and I immediately knew who it was.”

“We had a nice chat. It was probably more normal than people might imagine — just like a friend calling to ask how you’re doing. But it was still very special.”

He went on, “It’s quite personal, so I wouldn’t want to share too much. But he’s always offered great advice. He’s such an icon that you hang on to every word he says, and you try to remember it for future matches. And three months later, we qualified for the World Cup, so maybe that conversation gave me a bit of inspiration.”

Manchester United might now regret letting McTominay go, as his energy and goal-scoring instinct could have been valuable assets. However, with the midfielder turning 30 in December and firmly settled in Italy, a return to Old Trafford appears unlikely despite continued speculation.