Scott McTominay of Manchester United lies injured during the Premier League match against Arsenal FC (Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United’s decision to sell Scott McTominay this window was reportedly met with unanimous disapproval within the club, but the Scotsman was offloaded due to his ‘pure profit’ value.
Erik ten Hag’s squad has been active in the transfer market this summer, bringing in new talent such as forward Joshua Zirkzee and defensive additions Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. Midfielder Manuel Ugarte also joined the ranks, where he was expected to compete with homegrown talent McTominay.
The Scottish international, a product of United’s academy since he was five, was one of the standout performers last season and was reportedly well-liked in the dressing room and highly regarded by the club’s staff.
Casemiro is once again facing criticism after another Man Utd defeat (Image: getty)
Despite his popularity, McTominay was sold to Antonio Conte’s Napoli for a reported £25million, freeing up funds for the Red Devils to splash out £42.5m on Ugarte.
According to The Independent, Ten Hag, the coaching staff, and players were all hoping that McTominay would stay at Old Trafford. However, the financial benefits of selling academy products meant that McTominay was allowed to depart.
Ten Hag reportedly saw McTominay as the ’12th best man’ at Old Trafford. But because he was an academy player who didn’t cost United a fee, his ‘pure profit’ status meant that any money made from his sale would be pure profit under the Premier League’s PSR rules.
United had their hands tied by hefty legacy contracts this summer, pushing the club to offload players to reinvest funds into the squad. An increase in wage demands from McTominay played its part too, leading United to sell him once Napoli agreed to meet their price.
Scott McTominay has joined Napoli (Image: SSC NAPOLI via Getty Images)
Ten Hag admitted his regret at McTominay’s departure, saying ahead of the crucial Liverpool match: “I am very happy for him, but it is mixed because I wouldn’t prefer to lose him,” and “It is a little bit mixed.
“He is Manchester United in everything, he was so important for Manchester United. He was here for over 22 years but unfortunately it is the rules.
“Homegrown players bring more value and that is not the right thing to do but for everyone, for all parts, it is a good deal. Scott is happy with it, and Napoli and us.”
The Old Trafford side might also see Casemiro exit, even though the Pro League transfer window stands open another week. Ten Hag has highlighted Casemiro’s key role yet acknowledged that a move could materialise.
Ten Hag lauded Casemiro’s impact on the team following his performance in the Community Shield. “He is a big leader for us and very important for the team,” Ten Hag remarked.
“He has had a long pre-season, so he is very fit at this moment.
Scott McTominay was a mainstay in the United set up for years (Image: Getty Images)
“I think, as a team, we work good together and I think that makes it for Case very easy. Then he can bring his skills in and then you can see his importance for the game and for our team.”
Despite the potential interest from a Saudi Pro League club in Casemiro, with players like Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Christian Eriksen, and up-and-coming talents Daniel Gore and Toby Collyer in the ranks, United remain well-equipped in the midfield department, suggesting Ten Hag might consider a lucrative offer.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1942770/man-utd-scott-mctominay-transfer-regret-dressing-room