The Scotland international has been with Man United for 22 years (Image: Getty)
Erik ten Hag seemingly faces a losing battle to keep Scott McTominay at Manchester United, despite praising the midfielder’s impactful presence on and off the pitch. The Scotland international is on the brink of signing for Serie A heavyweights Napoli after a £25million deal was agreed, which represents a substantial windfall for the Red Devils given McTominay’s academy roots.
The potential transfer could also pave the way for United to press ahead with finalising a move for Paris Saint-Germain dynamo Manuel Ugarte before the transfer window’s closure at the end of this week.
Speculation over McTominay’s future has loomed large throughout the summer and his impending exit raises questions about Ten Hag’s control over player sales, as the 54-year-old recently emphasised his desire to keep the Scotsman, citing his “huge impact” on squad dynamics.
In light of McTominay’s contribution during their narrow 1-0 win against Fulham last week, the United boss didn’t hold back commendation, saying in the aftermath: “I am so pleased to have him in my squad, the type of person, such a huge impact on the team, team performances, team spirit. And he is playing more in the advanced position that suits him better.”
The manager expressed his admiration for the player, stating: “He is so important to making goals in my team. I am very happy to have him in my squad”. However, just a week later, it appears that McTominay’s 22-year tenure at the club may be drawing to a close, with former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte keen to bring him to Naples.
Erik ten Hag heaped praise on Scott McTominay, admitting that he has a “huge impact” on the team (Image: Getty)
It’s believed that a sell-on clause has been included in McTominay’s transfer by INEOS, although personal terms are yet to be finalised as the player himself has not agreed to the move to Italy. If his departure is confirmed, McTominay will become the joint-sixth-biggest sale in United’s history, equalling Dan James’s £25m transfer to Leeds United in 2021.
It’s been a mixed start to the season for Ten Hag who scored an opening-day victory against Fulham at Old Trafford but suffered a brutal defeat to Brighton on Saturday with Joao Pedro scoring a 95th-minute winner in a 2-1 win to continue their unbeaten start to the season.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1940413/erik-ten-hag-s-lack-of-transfer-control-man-united-decision