Former Man Utd star slams Erik ten Hag transfer decision and fumes ‘it’s difficult to replace him’
NEMANJA MATIC has criticised Manchester United’s decision to sell Scott McTominay.
The Scotland international, 27, joined Napoli at the end of the summer transfer window in a £25million deal.
It came as midfielder Manuel Ugarte arrived at Old Trafford from Paris Saint-Germain for £50m.
But Matic, who played 189 games for Man Utd across a five-year spell, feels Red Devils chiefs have made an error selling his former team-mate McTominay to Antonio Conte’s Napoli.
Speaking on X, he said: “My opinion is that #manutd made a mistake by selling Scott McTominay, today it is difficult to replace a player like him.
“Conte is smart man .”
Matic’s comments come after manager Erik ten Hag admitted he did not want to sell McTominay and end the midfielder’s 22-year affiliation with the club.
However, the way Profit and Sustainability Rules are set up means academy players are more valuable assets as they are classed as “pure profit”.
Following McTominay’s departure, Ten Hag said: “It is a little bit mixed, I am very happy for him but it is mixed because I wouldn’t prefer to lose him.
“He is Manchester United in everything, he was so important for Manchester United.
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“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.”
McTominay was promoted into the first team in April 2017 and went on to play 255 times for the club, scoring 39 goals.
He had been associated with Man Utd since the age of five, but now joins ex-Chelsea and Tottenham boss Conte at 2022/23 Serie A champions Napoli.