Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has questioned the Red Devils’ decision to sell Scott McTominay to Napoli.
McTominay completed his move to Serie A side Napoli on transfer deadline day for a fee reported to be around the £25m mark.
The Scotland international scored 29 goals in 255 games for his boyhood club and had entered the final year of his contract, with United holding an option to extend that deal by a further one year.
His final appearance for United came against Brighton and Hove Albion when he came on from the bench for the final 11 minutes. United lost 2-1 at the Amex.
Speaking to BBC Sport (via Football365), Jones said that McTominay was a positive influence at Old Trafford and will sorely be missed.
“I’m gutted. I love him. He’s a wonderful boy. He’s so good in and around the dressing room.
“I think he’s got so much more quality than people give him credit for. He’s a lot better technically than what people give him credit for.
“He arrives in the box at certain times and scores certain goals, as he showed last season for United and Scotland.”
Jones added, “I understand why he’s gone, in terms of the FFP (financial fair play rules), which I think is a bit of a travesty that we’re still having to sell homegrown talent because of FFP.”
“Maybe it needs to be looked at. I’m devastated he’s gone. He was an important part of the team. It’s going to be a loss – it is a huge loss for the team. But I’m delighted for him. I texted him yesterday and wished him good luck.”
