Manchester United made 'one of the biggest mistakes in football' when they sold Scott McTominay to Napoli last summer, according to former coach Benni McCarthy.
United felt they needed to sell McTominay to comply with PSR regulations, with the Scot’s sale counting as ‘pure profit’ on the club’s books given his homegrown status. McTominay moved to Italian side Napoli in pursuit of a new challenge, and was instrumental as Antonio Conte’s side lifted the Scudetto.
The 28-year-old scored 12 goals, more than any other central midfielder in Serie A, and provided four assists on his way to being named Serie A’s Most Valuable Player.
And while hindsight is always twenty-twenty, supporters have questioned the decision to sell McTominay, with McCarthy, who was part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff, backing up that opinion.
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“Of course, there are different reasons why you sell homegrown players sometimes. When they go, the profit lets you sign more players,” the former South African striker said.
“Having said that, it was one of the biggest mistakes in football to let him leave. He was born to play for United. Scotty was a player that you look for in a dressing room to get you where you want to be. To let him go for what was a small transfer fee was a big shame. I think everyone at the club regrets that decision.”
Cunha signed to replace McTominay?
United endured a difficult season as they laboured to their lowest Premier League finish and lost the Europa League final to domestic rivals Tottenham. However, United have sought to bolster the squad on the off-season and have lured Matheus Cunha from Wolves.
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The Brazilian was superb for Wolves, scoring 15 goals and providing six assists as the Midlands side successfully consolidated their Premier League spot.
The club spent big to secure the Brazilian’s services, and fans are hoping he can transfer his fine Wolves showings to United, where he’ll be expected to operate in a similar role in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 setup.
And McCarthy believes one of the reasons United have signed Cunha was to bring the “fight” that has been found wanting since McTominay left.
“Maybe he wasn’t the most technical, but he had fight, and I think it’s what they will get back with Matheus Cunha,” McCarthy said.
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Cunha will certainly bring the fight to United having committed the 36th most fouls (42) in the Premier League last season, a return that would have been higher had he not been banned on two separate occasions earlier this year.
United not done in the market
United are expected to add new faces to the squad in the off-season, with Bryan Mbeumo another top target for Ruben Amorim’s side.
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Mbeumo scored 20 times and laid on seven assists for Brentford last season, and while the Cameroon international could have followed Thomas Frank to Tottenham, the 25-year-old reportedly has his heart set on an Old Trafford switch.
Topics: Football, Manchester United, Napoli, Premier League, Scott Mctominay, Transfers, Serie A
Ben McAleer