Manchester United stands to make a tidy profit thanks to a smart clause tucked into Scott McTominay’s transfer to Napoli. McTominay, who grew up at United and spent nearly twenty years at the club, left for Italy in 2024. Napoli paid £25.7 million, bringing an end to his long run with the Red Devils.

A lot of United fans weren’t thrilled about letting him go, especially since he came up through their academy. But United’s decision-makers played it well. They made sure to get a 10% sell-on clause in the deal, so if Napoli sells him down the line, United gets a slice of the fee. Not a bad bit of business, especially now that McTominay’s stock keeps rising. He’s 29, but he’s made a real name for himself in Italy, putting in big performances for both Napoli and Scotland, and now some of Europe’s biggest clubs are sniffing around.

McTominay’s first season with Napoli was a standout. He bagged 13 goals in 36 games and helped Antonio Conte’s squad win the Serie A title. That run earned him Napoli’s player of the year award and even a Ballon d’Or nomination—though Ousmane Dembele ended up taking home the prize.

He’s been just as important for Scotland. Thanks to his father, he’s eligible to play for them, and he’s made the most of it—scoring a wild overhead kick against Denmark in November. That goal helped Scotland beat Denmark 4-2 and book their first World Cup spot since 1998.

Right now, Transfermarkt values McTominay at about £40 million, and he’s got two and a half years left on his Napoli contract. Napoli sits third in Serie A, only two points back from Inter. If someone comes in and pays £40 million for him, United pockets an extra £4 million thanks to that sell-on clause.

But honestly, the fee could go even higher. Word is Napoli would listen to offers around £60 million, and there’s even talk of McTominay making a shock return to Old Trafford. Some reports say United are considering bringing him back, since Ruben Amorim wants more depth in the middle of the park.

United’s midfield is in a weird spot. Nobody knows what’ll happen long-term with Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, or Manuel Ugarte. Mainoo and Fernandes are both injured right now, which has left United scrambling for options.

That’s why Amorim ended up giving 18-year-old academy player Jack Fletcher a half against Newcastle on Boxing Day and even stuck Lisandro Martinez—a centre-back—into midfield against Aston Villa. United have also been linked to Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, and James Garner, who’s now with Everton but came up through United’s system.

Rafael Leao knows he needs to get sharper in front of goal as a center-forward, and he couldn’t stop praising Milan teammate Davide Bartesaghi after their match against Cagliari.

The first half? Pretty rough—lots of mistakes all around. But after halftime, Milan woke up, pushed harder, and Leao ended up scoring the winner thanks to an assist from Adrien Rabiot. Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric both tested the keeper, while Mike Maignan barely had anything to do with Cagliari’s attack.

Leao talked about the team effort: “We prepared well, and we knew this game would be more about mentality than skill,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “Davide Bartesaghi played as a central defender for the first time, but when you have the right mindset, you can handle anything. He did really well tonight. He can do big things at Milan. If we all stay focused, it just gets easier.”

Leao clearly believes in Bartesaghi: “He knows how I feel. He’s smart, he works hard, and even though he’s young, he’s becoming important for us. I really think he’ll achieve a lot.”

Niclas Fullkrug made his debut in the last 20 minutes, only hours after joining from West Ham on loan. Leao liked what he saw: “Nic came on and did well, especially since he just arrived. The team’s playing well right now, and that makes us happy. I feel like if I get two or three chances, I need to score at least twice. The coach is putting me closer to the goal, so I have to be more alert, and I’m grateful to the squad for giving me those chances.”

So, is Milan aiming for the Scudetto or just a Champions League spot this season? Leao kept it simple: “We have our goals, but it’s a long season. Everyone knows what the club wants. We’re Milan—we have to fight for big trophies.”

With injuries to Christopher Nkunku and Santiago Gimenez, and guys like Pulisic, Pavlovic, and Gabbia only fit enough for the bench, Milan had to get creative. That’s how Bartesaghi ended up plugging a hole in the back three.

Bartesaghi’s approach is pretty straightforward: “I let my play do the talking. I’m thankful the coach and team trust me. Anytime they ask for something, I give it everything I have,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “Leao always wants me to set him up, but I tell him—everything comes when it’s supposed to.”