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.

AC Milan has been cautioned that Christian Pulisic, their Captain America, can't always save them. According to the legendary coach Fabio Capello, the Rossoneri are becoming overly reliant on their USMNT star, and he is closely monitoring the situation at San Siro. He doubts Pulisic can secure Serie A title glory and the Golden Boot.

Can Pulisic win the top scorer award?

Despite a few injuries this season, the United States international is currently in the running. Pulisic has scored eight goals in the Italian top division and reached double digits across all competitions.

Inter striker Lautaro Martinez leads Serie A at the start of 2026 but is only one goal ahead of Pulisic. The World Cup-winning Argentine is a central striker with a stronger track record in the final third.

Pulisic is proving he can keep up with the best, but can he maintain his impressive individual performance while also contributing to a Scudetto win? He might need to for Milan to finish first.

Is Milan depending too much on Pulisic?

When asked to predict the Serie A leading scorer for 2025-26, with Napoli loanee Rasmus Hojlund, Roma playmaker Matias Soule, and Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz also mentioned, Capello told Gazzetta dello Sport, "Lautaro consistently scores important goals, so he is an easy choice." But I am also very impressed with Hojlund, who is in great form and can give Antonio Conte some confidence about Lukaku's return.

I also see the strikers from Milan, Juventus, and Roma as contenders. The Rossoneri depend too much on Pulisic, especially when Rafael Leao is out, but the American can't always get his teammates out of trouble.

Yildiz is very talented and consistent in scoring goals and providing assists, but we must remember that he is still young. Lastly, Soule has about 11-12 goals, but he hasn't been a game-changer in big matches yet.

Former Milan player and manager Capello has previously commented on Pulisic's value to the Rossoneri and how to get the most out of him: Pulisic can play anywhere; he looks great in the current 3-5-2 formation. He moves well, has quality and speed, and makes vertical runs. I think starting in a central position suits him best because he is more dangerous when he is free to move.

Can Pulisic lead Milan to the Serie A title?

Pulisic is a consistent performer when healthy, and Milan wants to help the 27-year-old add to his medal collection. After winning the Supercoppa Italiana last season, he now has his sights on the Serie A title.

Capello added about their quest, with Milan benefiting from not playing in Europe during the week: Massimiliano Allegri will always have the week to focus his players on one goal since they were also knocked out of the Coppa Italia.

In the first half of the season, Milan lost focus in some games against smaller teams, but I expect Max to fix this and take advantage of the 'lighter' schedule compared to their rivals. This is possible if you have enough time to prepare tactically and psychologically for each match.

Another important point is that cup competitions can drain physical and mental energy and enthusiasm. A bad result or elimination can negatively affect the league campaign because it makes the atmosphere heavier.

Pulisic's contract situation: Still waiting for a San Siro extension

Milan hopes to remain in the title race in 2025-26 so they can persuade Pulisic that they are heading in the right direction. A key player at San Siro has postponed signing a new contract.

New talks are expected in the spring, and the Rossoneri are confident they can reach an agreement. However, they need to match the ambition of a player who will be leading his country in a home World Cup this summer.