Gianfranco Zola in awe of former Manchester United star sold for £25m

Gianfranco Zola has expressed his admiration for Scott McTominay's impressive performance at Napoli, stating that he has been 'dazzled' by the midfielder's start at the club. Zola also revealed his surprise at Manchester United's decision to sell McTominay, highlighting his potential and the impact he could have had on the team.

McTominay made the move to Serie A in the summer transfer window, joining Napoli in a £25.7 million deal.

The Scotland international, who came through United’s academy, has made an immediate impression under Antonio Conte with two goals and an assist in his last three appearances.

And Zola admits he did not expect United to let McTominay leave Old Trafford in the summer.

‘I’m very surprised,’ Zola said on Wednesday.

‘I could not believe that Manchester United released him, to be honest.

‘I don’t really know what’s the reason but obviously for Napoli it’s been a great deal.

‘I think everybody loves him so far, he’s scored goals, performed very well, he left me a little bit dazzled, to be honest, I didn’t expect that.

‘Obviously it’s a big thing for Italian football, he’s doing very well.’

Last week, Paolo Di Canio also criticised United’s call to offload McTominay, given his impressive start to life at Napoli.

‘I would go to those at Manchester United to arrest all the directors – how can you give away McTominay?’ Di Canio said in an interview with Il Mattino.

Napoli currently sit top of Serie A with 16 points from their opening seven matches.

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