Michael Carrick continues to work tirelessly to maintain and extend his impressive start as interim manager of Manchester United. The Red Devils are set to host Tottenham Hotspur in the opening Premier League match of the weekend, aiming for a fourth consecutive victory under the guidance of the club legend.
Carrick’s Bold Interim Strategy
Despite holding the interim title, the 44-year-old manager has not shied away from making bold decisions to steer Manchester United back to the top of English football. Carrick’s approach has already begun to bear fruit, with positive results on the pitch showing that his tactics are effective.
During the January transfer window, Manchester United remained relatively quiet, with the club only seeing a few departures. This inactivity suggested that a larger budget is being reserved for the summer, a period when Carrick could play a more significant role in shaping permanent recruitment strategies.
McTominay’s Return Speculation
Amid these developments, the name Scott McTominay has resurfaced as a potential candidate to return to Old Trafford. The possibility of reuniting with the Scottish international has gained traction, especially with recent developments at Napoli that could make a Manchester United comeback feasible.
Signals from Napoli
Bringing back former players to Old Trafford has historically been a mixed bag, with high-profile returns such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba not always meeting expectations. However, many supporters are optimistic that McTominay could break that trend if Manchester United actively pursues his return.
Napoli’s recent statements indicate that the transfer may not be impossible. Leonardo Giammarioli, Napoli’s global business development officer, acknowledged the club’s concern over McTominay leaving if a substantial offer arises.
“Yes, of course, I’m worried,” Giammarioli told talkSPORT. “However, ultimately, especially for Scott, who is an exceptional individual, we would be happy if he could take the next step in his career in the coming years. Maybe not now, maybe not next year, but he deserves it.”
Player Desire and Financial Considerations
Giammarioli emphasized that both the player’s desire and financial factors often play a decisive role in transfers.
“Look at Stuttgart; they wanted to keep Nick Woltemade before he moved to Newcastle last summer. But when offers like that come in, there’s little you can do if the player wants to leave and money becomes a key factor,” he explained.
Napoli is widely regarded to have made an excellent acquisition when signing McTominay from Manchester United for around £25 million in the summer of 2024. Many observers considered the sale below market value, and former United manager Erik ten Hag openly expressed his reluctance to let go of the midfielder.
McTominay: A Valuable Asset
Since his move to Italy, McTominay has flourished. He helped Napoli win the Serie A title and earned recognition as one of the league’s top performers, solidifying his status as one of the most valuable assets in Italian football.
If Manchester United intends to bring him back, the club will almost certainly have to meet a significant price tag—a consequence of the decision to sell him previously. However, with Casemiro nearing the exit door and the potential departure of Bruno Fernandes, McTominay could become a logical option for United in the summer 2026 transfer window.
Carrick’s New Rules and Approach
Carrick’s tactical adjustments and new approach to team management are viewed as potentially pivotal in facilitating a reunion that once seemed unlikely. His focus on integrating players effectively, trusting academy products, and building a cohesive midfield aligns well with what McTominay can offer.
The interim manager’s method emphasizes patience, trust, and player development, creating a conducive environment for McTominay to step back into a key role. By providing opportunities, maintaining confidence, and integrating returning talents seamlessly, Carrick could reshape the midfield dynamics at Old Trafford while reinforcing United’s competitive edge.
Strategic Timing and Club Vision
Manchester United’s management appears to recognize the strategic timing for McTominay’s potential return. Summer 2026 presents an ideal window, allowing for the planning of squad depth, replacement strategies, and financial preparation. McTominay’s familiarity with the club, combined with his proven growth in Serie A, makes him a candidate capable of contributing immediately.
Furthermore, Carrick’s interim success adds credibility to the idea that a reunion could thrive under his guidance. The manager’s ability to implement effective strategies and inspire players has reignited optimism among fans regarding United’s midfield options.
Conclusion
Scott McTominay’s potential return to Manchester United reflects a combination of opportunity, strategic timing, and tactical alignment under Michael Carrick. With Napoli signaling openness, the player’s improved value, and Carrick’s new rules creating space for his reintegration, the possibility of a homecoming is increasingly realistic.
If United pursues this route successfully, McTominay could become a central figure in the club’s midfield once more, breaking the trend of underwhelming returns from former stars. The summer 2026 transfer window could well mark the start of a new chapter for both the Scottish midfielder and Manchester United.
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