The summer transfer window of 2024 produced several conversation-provoking moves including Raheem Sterling's move to Arsenal, Jadon Sancho to Chelsea and Federico Chiesa to Liverpool among others.
But Scott McTominay's move to Napoli has divided a number of Manchester United fans, with the underrated Scotsman moving from Old Trafford after 22 years at the club.
Many United fans admit McTominay might not be of Ballon d'Or winner standard but former players feel he's a valuable squad player in the mould of unheralded players who were vital to United's success during the Sir Alex Ferguson era.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is not convinced that the move will be good for the club in the long run. Taking to his Youtube channel this week, he said:
I look at Scott McTominay and not every player can be a star, a standout player. But to win the league you need the likes of John O’Shea, Wes Brown, Darren Fletcher… you need a Julian Alvarez at Man City. They might not start every game but they were huge, you need those players and most of them know the DNA of the club, especially ones who have come through the academy
SEE ALSO: Declan Rice Receives Hilarious Red Card In Bizarre Incident v Brighton
Matic criticises selling of McTominay
Having chipped in with 10 goals in all competitions last season, the 27-year-old will be hard to replace. Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic took to Twitter today to weigh in on the club's decision to sell the academy graduate:
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
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
The Serbian midfielder played with the Scot for 5 years and knows the role he has been asked to play inside out.
Having come off the bench in all three of their competitive games this season, McTominay was in the last year of his contract and the Red Devils showed no sign of renewing his contract.
The deal is reported to be worth around €30.5 million, with a significant 10 per cent sell-on clause included in the agreement. The lofty fee was crucial in supplying the funds to purchase PSG midfielder and long-term target Manuel Ugarte.
McTominay won't be short of familiar faces on his arrival to Naples, fellow Scotsman Billy Gilmour also moved to Napoli from Premier League rivals Brighton on deadline day.
It feels like United fans were quick to criticise the midfielder during his time at the club but sense he will leave a void now that he has left..
