Manchester United’s summer transfer business has come under fire, with former Red Devils defender Phil Jones labeling the sale of Scott McTominay as a “travesty” and a significant loss for the club.
United bolstered their squad with high-profile signings, including Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, and Manuel Ugarte, spending nearly £200 million to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s team. Despite these additions, the club’s start to the Premier League season has been rocky, with just one win in their first three games.
However, the summer also saw several departures as United sought to balance the books. Among the exits was Scott McTominay, who moved to Napoli for around £25 million after more than two decades with the club. McTominay, a product of United’s youth academy, made over 200 appearances for the club, and his sale has sparked controversy.
While the move was seen by some as a necessary step to facilitate Ugarte’s arrival and manage financial fair play (FFP) constraints, others, including Ten Hag, were reportedly unhappy with the decision. The sale of McTominay, who was considered a valuable squad player, has raised questions about the club’s financial management under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership.
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Phil Jones, who announced his retirement earlier this summer, didn’t hold back in his criticism. Speaking on BBC Radio, Jones expressed his disappointment and frustration over McTominay’s departure. “I’m gutted,” Jones said. “I love him. He’s a wonderful boy, and 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.”
Jones continued to praise McTominay’s technical ability, highlighting his knack for scoring crucial goals, as seen during his time with both United and the Scottish national team. “It’s a lot better technically than what people give him credit for,” he added.
The former United defender also criticized the ongoing impact of FFP regulations on homegrown talent. “I understand why he’s gone, in terms of FFP, 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.”
Jones acknowledged the loss McTominay’s departure represents for United but expressed his happiness for the player’s new chapter with Napoli. “I’m devastated he’s gone. It’s going to be a huge loss for the team. But I’m delighted for him. He’s going to a giant of a club in Napoli with Antonio Conte.”
As Manchester United fans grapple with the mixed emotions of an ambitious yet financially pressured transfer window, the decision to sell McTominay continues to resonate as a key talking point, raising broader concerns about the club’s strategy and future under the constraints of FFP.
