Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has disclosed that he opposed the sale of Scott McTominay during the summer transfer window of 2024. In an exclusive interview with The Athletic, ten Hag elaborated on his belief that the Scottish midfielder was pivotal to the club's ambitions.
Ten Hag aimed to retain McTominay
According to ten Hag, McTominay provided the team with qualities that were otherwise lacking, notably goals from deep and a robust mentality.
“I put forward my arguments: we lack goal-scoring ability. Scott brings goals and possesses an excellent mindset. He is wholeheartedly dedicated to Manchester United. So when the question of his sale arose, I said, ‘No’,” ten Hag expressed.
The manager admitted to being disappointed with the club's decision to part ways with the player.
In the summer of 2024, McTominay made the switch to Napoli. Reports suggest the transfer fee was around £25.7 million.
McTominay thriving in Italy
Following his move to Italy, the Scot has become an integral part of Antonio Conte's squad. In the 2024/25 season, he scored 12 goals and contributed six assists in 34 Serie A matches.
Napoli secured the Serie A title, and McTominay received individual accolades for his performances in the tournament. His impressive stats have sparked further debate about Manchester United's decision to let their academy graduate go.
Ten Hag discusses United's hierarchy
In the same interview, the Dutchman touched on his relationship with the United hierarchy and the implementation of agreements reached concerning the club's future.
“I didn’t want to continue working with just a one-year contract left. Therefore, I stated: I need an additional year, and we need to work together,” ten Hag explained.
According to ten Hag, he was promised support, loyalty, and improved communication, but he feels these commitments were not upheld.
The sale of McTominay became one of the decisions that left him disillusioned. The midfielder has since flourished in Italy, while Manchester United continues their squad reconstruction.
This transfer saga has once again highlighted the ongoing debates surrounding Manchester United’s transfer strategy and the choices made during ten Hag's tenure.
