Erik ten Hag, who is now sporting director at FC Twente, has revealed that Manchester United sold Scott McTominay to Napoli in 2024 against his will. Manchester United’s co-owners, INEOS, want to bring the midfielder back to Old Trafford.
McTominay came through United’s youth academy and established himself as an important player in the first team. The Scotland international midfielder scored 29 goals and provided eight assists in 255 appearances in all competitions for the club.
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However, in the summer of 2024, United sold McTominay to Napoli for a total of £25.2 million, including add-ons. United signed Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain that summer – reportedly as a replacement.
Ten Hag was the manager at the time, and now he reveals that the club broke his promise and sold McTominay against his will.
“Then I was disappointed”
“That’s why I was disappointed. In Ibiza we agreed. I said, ‘No sale of Scott McTominay,'” Ten Hag told The Athletic.
“We would have gone in line in the transfer window. I put forward an argument, a reason: we don’t have a point opportunity.
“Scott brings with him scoring ability and a good mentality. He has United in all his veins.
“So when they bring up the topic: ‘No’. And in the end, they sold him. Of course, I was very embarrassed and disappointed.
A star in Naples
McTominay has been one of Napoli’s best and most important players. The midfielder has scored 27 goals and provided 10 assists in 85 appearances in all competitions for the Italian club so far.
The 29-year-old, who won both the FA Cup and EFL Cup once with United, played a key role as Napoli secured the Serie A title in 2024/25.
INEOS wants to bring him back
Sky Sport Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri has on a couple of occasions now reported that United’s co-owners INEOS want to sign McTominay from Napoli.
According to the report, both United and Aston Villa have reportedly “asked” to sign McTominay in the summer of 2026.
“The player’s agent, according to our sources, maintains close relations with several Premier League clubs and has already had initial discussions about McTominay’s future,” the report said, adding that the midfielder is “nostalgic for the UK and open to the idea of returning to the Premier League.”
Manchester United are still said to be interested in McTominay.
