A general view of a Manchester United corner flag on the pitch ahead of the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Manchester United and Rangers FC at Old Trafford on January 23, 2025 in Manchester, England.A general view of a Manchester United corner flag on the pitch ahead of the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Manchester United and Rangers FC at Old Trafford on January 23, 2025 in Manchester, England.
A general view of a Manchester United corner flag on the pitch ahead of the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Manchester United and Rangers FC at Old Trafford on January 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. | Getty Images
Manchester United could live to regret a 2024 summer transfer exit for more reasons than one
Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was quick to brand Scott McTominay’s £25m exit from Manchester United as “not the right thing to do” but admitted it was unavoidable due to the offer on the table from Napoli.
The Scotland international had come through the academy at Old Trafford and made 255 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 29 goals and providing eight assists. His status as an academy player made his exit more lucrative when accounting for profit and sustainability, which was one of the main reasons he was sold.
McTominay took to life in Napoli with ease, and made 36 appearances for the Italian outfit as they beat Inter Milan to the Serie A title. He scored 13 goals and providing six assists, with one of those goals coming last week as Antonio Conte’s side beat Cagliari 2-0 to clinch the domestic title.
Scott McTominay already revered in Naples
"I took it, I didn't look back. 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. As soon as I put my mind to something I want to do it, that's it. There's no holding me back.
"I love this place, I love the fans, I love my team-mates."
Artwork of McTominay has appeared in Naples city centre on Vico San Nicola al Nilo. The midfielder split opinion among the United fanbase but is completely revered by Napoli fans as he helped fire them to their second league title in three years.
On the sale, Ten Hag said: “He was at Manchester United for over 22 years. But unfortunately, it’s the rules. You have to discuss the rules to do sales. Obviously, homegrown players, academy players, bring more value. It’s not the right thing to do, but for everyone, for all parts, it’s a good deal. For Scott, he is happy with it. Of course, for Napoli, a very good player, but also for us.”
Scott McTominay explosion to superstardom could have negative impact on Manchester United
While it is easy to say United will regret selling McTominay, there is another element to his exit last summer that could have the Red Devils worried.
After a disastrous season for the Old Trafford club, there are several players who could leave ahead of the 2025-26 campaign as the vultures circle to pick off the best members of their squad. Names such as Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo come to mind.
While Ruben Amorim needs new players to better challenge next season, he must also keep hold of his key stars if he is to have any chance at turning United’s fortunes around.
Some may be tempted to look at the success that McTominay has had since leaving Old Trafford and be tempted to go chase those moments away from the Red Devils. United of course will hope that not to be the case but it would be naïve to say that McTominay’s old teammates have not taken notice of how his career has been on an upward trajectory in the last 12 months. It might only take one big name to push for a move away from United this summer for a number of stars to look at moves elsewhere.
One way for the club to combat that possibility is by signing some key players quickly to display their own ambition to the likes of Fernandes and ensure those key men remain a part of Amorim’s squad next season.
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