Scott McTominay Sale Still Haunts Man Utd, Says McCarthy

Scott McTominay sale is still haunting Manchester United, according to former Premier League striker and current Red Devils coach Benni McCarthy, who claims “everyone at Old Trafford regrets” letting the academy graduate join Napoli last summer. Twelve months after that decision, the combative midfielder has lifted a historic Serie A title in Naples, while United are scrambling for consistency in the engine room and have just splashed a reported £62.5 million on a replacement.

Why the Scott McTominay sale looks worse with every week

The Scott McTominay sale raised eyebrows when it was sanctioned in August 2023. McTominay, a lifelong Red Devil, had never been a guaranteed starter, yet he possessed the power, athleticism and home-grown spirit that often dragged United through sticky patches. Since moving to Italy, the 27-year-old has become a fulcrum in Luciano Spalletti’s midfield three, starting 33 league games, scoring six times and, crucially, providing the balance that allowed Napoli’s creative players to flourish on their way to a first Scudetto since Diego Maradona’s era.

McCarthy’s inside view on the transfer mistake

Speaking to South African radio station Metro FM, McCarthy did not mince his words: “A lot of us in the coaching staff voiced concerns, but the decision had already been made higher up. Now, when we prepare game plans, we see exactly what we’re missing because of the Scott McTominay sale.” The ex-Blackburn and West Ham forward went on to praise McTominay’s tactical discipline and ability to cover both full-back zones, qualities United currently lack.

The £62.5m successor: can he fill McTominay’s boots?

United hope new signing João Neves—secured from Benfica for a base fee of £62.5 million plus add-ons—will become the long-term heir. McCarthy is optimistic: “João is technically on another level, presses like a demon and carries the ball with real intent. But adapting to the Premier League is brutal. Scott had already fought those battles for years. We need patience.”

Numbers tell the story

• Interceptions per 90: McTominay 2.3 | United’s current midfield trio 1.6
• Distance covered per game: McTominay 11.2 km | Premier League average 10.4 km
• Goals from midfield 2023-24: United 7 | McTominay 6 (Serie A alone)

The statistical gap underlines why the Scott McTominay sale is being re-evaluated. Napoli paid an initial £28 million, a fee now judged a bargain for a player entering his prime.

Old Trafford reaction and dressing-room mood

While club executives have remained silent, senior United players are said to be frustrated that another leader was allowed to leave. One source told Goal Sports News, “Bruno [Fernandes] keeps in touch with Scott. Every time United drop points, their WhatsApp chat lights up with banter—and a bit of envy.” Fans share that sentiment; a recent poll by the Manchester Evening News showed 67% believe the Scott McTominay sale was a mistake.

How Napoli unlocked McTominay

Luciano Spalletti installed McTominay in a single-pivot role, freeing Piotr Zielinski and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to play higher. The Scottish international’s aerial dominance also turned Napoli into a dead-ball threat, contributing directly to four goals from corners and indirect free-kicks. United, by contrast, remain vulnerable at set pieces—an area McTominay previously marshalled.

Financial factors behind the Scott McTominay sale

Sources close to United insist Financial Fair Play concerns forced their hand. The club needed to offset the arrivals of Mason Mount and André Onana, and McTominay was one of few sellable assets who could fetch a decent fee. Yet critics argue penny-pinching cost United far more in on-field results and ultimately led to an even larger outlay for Neves.

Could a buy-back clause be triggered?

Interestingly, United installed a £50 million buy-back option valid until June 2026. McCarthy hinted that the hierarchy is “keeping an eye” on the clause, but Napoli have no appetite to negotiate: “Why would we weaken a title-winning squad?” sporting director Mauro Meluso told Sky Italia. “If United want him, they’ll have to pay.”

What next for United and McTominay?

The Red Devils embark on their preseason tour with Neves, Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro vying for midfield spots. Erik ten Hag hopes the new mix restores balance but has privately acknowledged to staff that the Scott McTominay sale changed the squad’s chemistry more than anticipated. Meanwhile, McTominay is preparing for Champions League nights at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, where the home crowd has already composed a chant in his honour.

Opinion: A lesson United must heed

Allowing a home-grown, physically dominant, tactically astute midfielder to leave—then spending double to replace him—highlights strategic drift at Old Trafford. The Scott McTominay sale should be a case study in the perils of undervaluing “glue” players who bind squads together. If João Neves becomes a superstar, the pain will ease, but for now, every crunching tackle McTominay makes in Serie A is a reminder that United’s problems are often of their own making.