Former manager criticises decision to sell Man Utd ace, he scored 10 goals in 2023-24 season
Manchester United made a big transfer decision to sell Scott McTominay to Napoli last summer.
The Italian giants paid a £25 million transfer fee, with United also retaining a 10 per cent sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
Former United head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has slammed United’s call to offload the midfielder.
He said (via BBC): “Scott and Fred together, they were lads you would put your hat on every day to give 100%. How you can sell Scott is beyond me.”
McTominay made his debut in 2017 and played 255 times for the club after rising through the ranks of the United academy.
Sale of Scott McTominay was a sensible move
The Scotland international wore the badge with pride and played with the fire fans always appreciate.
Even in his final season at Old Trafford, he bagged 10 goals in 43 appearances, underlining his knack for timely contributions.
While he was once a midfield mainstay under Solskjaer, the arrival of Erik ten Hag brought uncertainty and rotation.
Casemiro’s arrival nudged McTominay further down the pecking order, limiting his chances to shine.
The 28-year-old admitted recently that he was ‘misprofiled‘ at the Red Devils, having started 134 matches as a defensive midfielder despite his natural attacking instincts.
McTominay’s sale represented pure profit and helped United comply with Premier League and UEFA financial regulations.
The Old Trafford club wanted a young number six to replace Casemiro, ultimately signing Manuel Ugarte.
Ugarte has been a solid addition to the squad, impressing with his relentless pressing and ball-winning ability.
Meanwhile, McTominay is thriving in Italy, playing a vital role in Napoli’s title charge as they edge closer to Serie A glory.
For United fans, seeing one of their own shining abroad and possibly lifting a league title offers a silver lining.
Solskjaer’s frustration is understandable as McTominay embodied the grit and spirit that Old Trafford cherishes.
However, looking back, the move worked out for everyone involved.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .