Manchester United's decision to let Scott McTominay go still baffles fans and experts alike, especially as he’s now shining brighter than ever at Napoli. But here’s where it gets controversial: was it a financial necessity or a colossal misstep? Let’s dive in.
In 2024, Scott McTominay bid farewell to Manchester United after 22 years—from academy prodigy to first-team stalwart—to join Napoli for £25 million. Fast forward to 2026, and the Scottish midfielder has become a Serie A sensation, clinching the league title in his debut season and adding the Italian Super Cup to his trophy cabinet. His impact? A staggering 22 goals and 10 assists in 67 appearances. Not bad for someone deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola was left scratching his head over United’s decision. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Zola questioned the move, suggesting it was driven by Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations rather than footballing logic. “Certain choices will never be understood,” he remarked. “He’s a complete footballer—he knows how to be on the pitch, he does everything, and he scores a lot.” Zola’s words carry weight, especially now that McTominay’s star continues to rise, both for Napoli and the Scottish national team.
And this is the part most people miss: McTominay’s homegrown status made him an attractive asset for United, yet then-manager Erik ten Hag opted to sell him and invest in Manuel Ugarte, who arrived from Paris Saint-Germain for £50 million. While Ugarte has shown promise, his two goals and six assists in 63 appearances pale in comparison to McTominay’s output. Was this a case of United prioritizing financial compliance over on-field quality?
McTominay’s brilliance was on full display in November 2025, when he scored a jaw-dropping bicycle kick for Scotland in a World Cup 2026 qualifier against Denmark. That goal helped Scotland secure a 4-2 victory and a spot in their first World Cup since 1998. Moments like these highlight why Zola—and many others—believe United let go of a truly special player.
As Napoli prepares to host Chelsea in the Champions League this week, the spotlight will once again fall on McTominay. Will he prove his former club wrong? Or was United’s decision justified in the long run? What do you think? Was letting McTominay go a necessary evil, or a mistake United will regret for years? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
