Manchester United have been criticised once again over the decision to sell Scott McTominay to Napoli and Graeme Souness cannot understand the decision-making process that led to that point
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Graeme Souness & Ian Wright look on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on March 17, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United)
Graeme Souness has savaged Manchester United's decision to sell Scott McTominay in the summer. The Scotland international midfielder joined Napoli in a £25million deal in August as the Red Devils looked to transform their fortunes.
And former Liverpool and Rangers manager Souness has ridiculed United's decision to part ways with the player, who had provided plenty of impact the season before. Only attacking options Rasmus Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes found the net more often under Erik ten Hag last term.
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McTominay has quickly adjusted to life in Italy and has thrived under Antonio Conte. The 28-year-old has recorded seven goals and four assists in 31 appearances having immediately asserted his place in the Napoli lineup.
Souness has been left in disbelief that the club's decision-makers instead opted to sign Manuel Ugarte. The ex-defender even reckons United should even consider eyeing their academy product, who Ten Hag was not keen on selling.
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"Oh how Manchester United must regret selling Scott McTominay," Souness told the Daily Mail. "He’s a fantastic modern footballer. A high-energy, box-to-box workaholic who chips in with important goals.
"He was 27 years old and not hurting United with his wages when the club’s ‘decision-makers’ thought it was a bright idea to sell him to Napoli for £25million. They’d gone out and spent £58m on an ageing, 30-year-old Casemiro, and paid him £370,000 a week. And another £42m on Manuel Ugarte. Collective transfer fees of £100m.
"Would someone at United please hold their hand up and say, “This was my shout.” Because it’s been an atrocious piece of judgment.
"The perfect example of the mismanagement on an industrial scale at that club since Fergie packed in. McTominay has flourished at Napoli. Maybe United should be asking themselves how much it will cost to get him back."
Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli celebrates
Scott McTominay has made a great start at Napoli
McTominay meanwhile has not put any energy into considering why United would allow him to leave Old Trafford. Earlier this season the Partenopei star confirmed it was move he was eager to take advantage of.
“I didn’t look back," he said. "It didn’t take me long to make the decision because I knew that was what I wanted and I’ll never have any regrets in my life where, as soon as I’ve put my mind to something, I want to do it. That’s it. There’s no holding you back. For me, I love this place. I love the fans, my team-mates – it’s been a pleasure to be with Billy every day, rather than just with Scotland. We’ve helped each other a lot, which has been good as well.
"Was I surprised (they let me go)? I don’t know. You’ll have to ask them. I don’t read the newspapers, or read too much that goes on in terms of social media, so I wouldn’t know too much of the reaction. It’s not important.
"The decision has been made on both parts and it was a mutual decision. For all of us, it was a case of there’s an opportunity, do you want to go? Obviously, I know from their side, FFP is difficult so it’s not easy for football clubs to make a decision in regards to homegrown players.
"For me, that was never in my thought process. My thought process was coming here, seeing the fans and how passionate they are, the coach and hopefully coming here to do really good things."
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