Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says the club should not have allowed Scott McTominay to leave, arguing that the Scotland international offered goals and the mentality needed at Old Trafford.
McTominay moved to Napoli in the summer of 2024 for a fee reported to be around £25.7m. His departure has since become a notable example of a player leaving Manchester United and thriving at another club.
The midfielder helped Napoli win the Serie A title under Antonio Conte and was subsequently named Serie A player of the year. He scored 12 goals and provided six assists in 34 Serie A appearances during the campaign as Napoli dominated Italian football.
McTominay, who led his nation to the World Cup over the summer, had been regarded by Ten Hag as an important source of goals from midfield. Speaking in an interview with The Athletic this week, the former Ajax coach said he had tried to prevent the transfer but was not supported by the Manchester United board.
“I make an argument, a reason: we don't have scoring abilities. Scott brings scoring abilities and great mentality. He has United in all his veins,” Ten Hag said.
“So when they bring up the subject, ‘No’. And in the end, they sold him. I got, of course, very embarrassed and disappointed.”
Ten Hag also used the interview to explain why he eventually decided to leave Manchester United. He said he had wanted the club to extend his contract beyond the final year of his existing agreement, with both sides working together on the team’s problems.
“I wouldn't go on with only one year left,” Ten Hag explained. “So I said, ‘I need an extra year, and we have to do it together’.”
According to Ten Hag, Manchester United promised him loyalty, backing and improved communication, as well as a shared understanding of the issues facing the club. He said those commitments were not fulfilled.
“They promised me loyalty, they promised me backing, they promised communication, that we get aligned. We spoke about the issues. But the promises, they didn't keep. That's why I got disappointed.”
Manchester United have not won a major trophy since McTominay’s departure. The club are currently 13th in the Premier League under manager Michael Carrick.