Sir Jim Ratcliffe criticised for letting McTominay go
Liverpool and Scotland legend Graeme Souness is the latest pundit to scold Manchester United for the “terrible” decision to sell Scott McTominay last summer, which he describes as “mismanagement on an industrial scale”.
McTominay left his childhood club to sign for Serie A club Napoli last summer in a transfer worth just £25 million. He has made over 250 appearances for the Red Devils after coming up through the academy at Old Trafford.
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When he left the club, then-Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag seemed unhappy with the decision, while several other former players and pundits have expressed shock over McTominay’s exit since he moved to Italy.
The Scotland international has had a brilliant first season under Antonio Conte, scoring six Serie A goals for a Napoli side currently sitting second in the table, behind Inter Milan.
And while talking about his compatriot, Souness has criticised United for letting McTominay leave at all.
He told the Daily Mail:
“Oh, how Manchester United must regret selling Scott McTominay. He is a fantastic modern footballer. A high-energy, box-to-box workhorse who contributes important goals.”
“He was 27 years old and not a burden to United with his salary as the club’s ‘decision-makers’ thought it was a good idea to sell him to Napoli for £25 million.”
“They had spent £58 million on an aging 30-year-old Casemiro, paying him £370,000 a week. Plus £42 million on Manuel Ugarte. A total of over £100 million in transfer fees.”
“Can anyone at United really raise their hand and say, ‘This was my idea’? Because it has been a terrible judgement. The perfect example of mismanagement on an industrial scale in that club since Fergie resigned.”
“McTominay has flourished at Naples. Maybe United should ask themselves how much it will cost to get him back.”
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“A monster mistake by United”
Another former Scotland international, Pat Nevin, also believes it was a “mistake” that the Red Devils said goodbye to McTominay.
“I think Scott McTominay was worth £50 million before he left Manchester United. It was a monster mistake by United. If you asked any Scotsman when he left for £25 million, everyone would react with: ‘Huh?!’
“After what he had shown for Scotland, and the period he had in the Manchester United team when he was suddenly moved further forward and showed what he is capable of in his best position…”
“I know West Ham wanted him, but I had taken him to Chelsea on the spot. Absolute. He really has such high quality. But beyond that, he showed that fighting spirit every single time he went on the pitch that the club needs, and that they don’t have anywhere near the level they want.”
“They have Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, fantastic players in their time, but their time is soon over – and then they sell McTominay? It’s all about money. Nothing else.”
“Is he worth £50 million now? Yes. But he was before too. I’m happy for him. I’m not even a little surprised at how well he’s done in Italy. Not at all.”
McTominay’s excelling in Italy makes it even more bitter for United, who are still struggling in the Premier League (13th) and only have the Europa League as a possible salvation this season.
