David Beckham has given his thoughts on Manchester United selling academy graduates like Scott McTominay, who has gone on to play a starring role for Napoli this season
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David Beckham
David Beckham appears to have hit out at Manchester United's decision to sell Scott McTominay
(Image: AP)
David Beckham appears to have criticised Manchester United's decision to sell Scott McTominay.
The 50-year-old, who like McTominay, rose through the ranks of United's academy, said he "hates" seeing high-quality young players being sold "purely for financial reasons". McTominay, who is now flourishing at Napoli, made over 250 appearances for the Red Devils before being sold for a mere £25.7million last summer, with then-manager Erik ten Hag justifying the sale as necessary to balance the club's books.
Since moving to Italy, the Scotland international has been in outstanding form, playing a pivotal role in Napoli's pursuit of the Serie A title. With 18 goal contributions in all competitions, he's earned the nickname "the bottle opener" due to his ability to score vital, breakthrough goals.
Meanwhile, United have had a disastrous season. With 18 Premier League defeats and only two spots separating them from the relegation zone, the club are facing their worst domestic finish in decades.
In an interview with The Athletic, Beckham emphasised the importance of developing and keeping academy graduates who understand the club. Although he didn't mention McTominay directly, the timing and context of his comments strongly imply that the midfielder was at the front of his mind.
"I hate [the idea of] any young player who has grown up at United leaving the club. We shouldn't be selling players purely for financial reasons," the former England captain said.
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Scott McTominay celebrating
Scott McTominay has been on fire at Napoli this season
(Image: Getty Images)
"It should be what they are doing on the field and if they're not performing, there's always a chance [they'll be left out of the team or sold]. We all knew that, I knew that.
"If I wasn't performing on the pitch, it didn't matter what I'd done in the past or what I was going to do in the future; there was a good chance that I was either going to get left on the bench, or I was going to get sold.
"I'd like to think that Manchester United don't sell players that have grown up at the club, understand and love the club. I don't want to see players leave Manchester United if they care about United like I do."
Scott McTominay reacts during a match between Man Utd and Arsenal
McTominay was never given the superstar treatment at Old Trafford
(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Beckham, who was a pivotal member of United's revered 'Class of 92' alongside Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, and Nicky Butt, speaks with authority on the importance of nurturing talent from within. This cohort broke into the first team under Sir Alex Ferguson, securing their place as regulars and clinching numerous Premier League titles, domestic cups, and the famed Treble in 1999.
"We were lucky to be part of the most stable club with the same manager, owner, fans and players there for many years," Beckham noted. "We know when you have stability within the club, you have success. Simple as that."
McTominay never enjoyed the same level of stability or trust at United. Over seven full seasons in the senior squad, he served under four different managers, resulting in inconsistent team selection, frequent role changes, and a constant need to prove his worth despite being one of the more reliable performers during a turbulent period.
He was often viewed as dispensable rather than essential, and was never treated like a superstar. Given this context, his transfer to Napoli was a logical move.
The Class of 92
Beckham thinks Manchester United should nurture homegrown talent like they did with the famed 'Class of 92'
(Image: Getty Images)
Under the guidance of Antonio Conte, McTominay has finally been assigned a defined role and given the backing to excel, becoming the midfield dynamo powering one of Europe's most thrilling teams. This weekend, Napoli have the opportunity to secure only their fourth Scudetto in their history - and just the second since the era of Diego Maradona.
A victory against Cagliari on the final day would see them edge out Champions League finalists Inter Milan for the title - an extraordinary feat, particularly given the departures of both Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia over the past year.
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However, in McTominay, they've unearthed an unexpected gem - a midfield maestro demonstrating that greatness doesn't always come with fanfare. Sometimes, it's quietly cultivated through resilience, consistency, and a desire to be recognised - a lesson United would do well to remember.
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