Over the last 20 years, Manchester United have had some top talent come through their youth academy and excel at top clubs, especially over recent season.
Unfortunately for United, only Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo remain at Old Trafford following Marcus Rashford’s recent loan move to Barcelona.
Whilst the England international is only set for a temporary stay at Camp Nou, the LaLiga giants have the option to make the move permanent for £26 million plus add-ons at the end of the season.
As such, only Garnacho and Mainoo remain, with the Argentina international also set to leave the club this summer, prioritising a move to Chelsea after experiencing a breakdown in relationship with Ruben Amorim.
However, away from Manchester United, some former Red Devils have been fully living up to their potentials, with the likes of Mason Greenwood and Angel Gomes finding their feet in Ligue 1, at Marseille and LOSC Lille respectively, with the pair set to be teammates at Marseille this coming season.
Alvaro Carreras has just been rewarded with a major move to Real Madrid following his impressive season at Benfica, whilst Antony Elanga has recently move to Newcastle United from Nottingham Forest.
However, it’s Scott McTominay who’s really excelling.
Following his debut season with Napoli, winning the Serie A player of the tournament, or MVP award, as well as winning the Serie A, Sam C, via X, has now reported that the Scotland international has also now been nominated for the Ballon d’Or 2025.
The 28-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a remarkable season in Italy, scoring 16 goals across 48 appearances.
His nomination marks the first Ballon d’Or recognition of his career and has stunned many who remember his time at Manchester United.
Scott McTominay, a graduate of the club’s academy, made over 200 appearances for the Red Devils before making the switch to Napoli, where he has flourished in a more attacking role.
Despite his polarising reputation during his United years, the Scot’s work ethic and tenacity made him a favourite under several managers, including Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag.
His transformation in Italy has not only silenced critics but catapulted him into the conversation for football’s most prestigious individual honour.
Napoli’s title win was fuelled in part by McTominay’s relentless midfield displays and goal-scoring contributions.
While Manchester United may be focused on their present and future midfield setup, McTominay’s rise serves as a reminder of the quality that once came through their ranks.
Whether he wins or not, a Ballon d’Or nomination is a remarkable milestone for a player whose journey has been anything but conventional.
And for Manchester United fans, it’s a moment of unexpected pride to see one of their own among football’s elite.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Scott McTominay has been nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, I understand.
28 years old. 48 games. 16 goals.
Serie A champion with Napoli.⁰
His first ever nomination. From squad player to world elite.Congrats, Scott! pic.twitter.com/CHHxaDRAo2
— Sam C (@SamC_reports) August 6, 2025
