Erik ten Hag has made a huge admission over Scott McTominay’s transfer away from Manchester United this summer, stating it was never his intention for the Scotland international to leave.
McTominay, who graduated from United’s youth academy, ended his association with the club by joining Napoli for £25.7 million.
He’s already made a huge impression in Italy, having scored two goals in five Serie A games for his new side.
The midfielder has become an instant Napoli hero under Antonio Conte, fresh off hitting double figures in his final season at Old Trafford.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend’s clash with Brentford, Ten Hag insists it was only the forensic financial rules gripping football which led to his side green-lighting a £25m deal, admitting he’s happy for him.
“I didn’t want him to leave but it is the rules. The clubs have to deal with the Financial Fair Play rules and the rules are not great. The rules are, I would even say, bad… it forced us to make this decision.”
McTominay enjoyed the best campaign of his career last season, scoring 10 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions.
But Man United were forced to sell the midfielder to comply with the league’s financial rules.
