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Nemanja Matic has criticised Manchester United’s decision to sell Scott McTominay this summer.
The 36-year-old midfielder, currently playing for Ligue 1 side Lyon, described McTominay’s departure from Old Trafford as a “mistake” while praising Napoli’s pursuit of the Scot.
McTominay, 27, officially joined Napoli yesterday following United’s acceptance of a £25.6 million offer earlier in the week.
The midfielder’s status as an academy graduate means his sale constitutes ‘pure profit’ for the Red Devils and was a crucial factor in their decision to sell him.
There has been intense focus on the club’s finances this summer due to the acute pressure of the Premier League’s profits and sustainability rules (PSR).
McTominay’s switch from Manchester to Naples is likely to have played a key role in United’s successful pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, whose move to Old Trafford was announced last night.
It was only confirmed, however, after McTominay’s sale to Napoli had been sanctioned, suggesting there was a link between the two deals.
Nonetheless, Matic believes this choice to allow the 27-year-old to leave was an error.
The Serbian midfielder starred for United from 2017 to 2022, playing with the Scottish international and sharing a dressing room with him. This makes Matic well-versed on his former teammate’s strengths.
Writing on his X account, Matic revealed it would be “difficult to replace a player like [McTominay]”, before going on to credit Antonio Conte, Napoli’s manager, as “smart” for targeting the Scottish star.
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 👍
— Nemanja Matic (@NemanjaMatic) August 31, 2024
Tweet: “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.”
While losing an academy graduate who has always represented the club with the upmost professionalism and dedication will always be a blow, the reality of United’s finances this summer meant the signing of Ugarte was likely impossible without the sale of McTominay.
And given the Uruguayan international is a far better fit in the club’s midfield unit than the Scot, it will prove a price worth paying; even if Matic does not believe so.
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