Ten Hag Expresses Regret Over McTominay Departure
McTominay, a product of United’s youth academy, joined Napoli during the summer transfer window and has quickly become a key player for the Italian side.
Scott McTominay with Manchester United Manager Erik ten Hag. Photo/Fabrizio Romano.
By Robert Mutasi
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed his disappointment over the departure of midfielder Scott McTominay, who has been performing exceptionally well since joining Napoli.
Speaking in a recent interview, Ten Hag admitted that he did not want McTominay to leave Old Trafford but was left with little choice due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
“I didn’t want him to leave, but it is the rules,” Ten Hag explained, highlighting the financial constraints imposed on the club. “The clubs have to deal with the Financial Fair Play rules, and the rules are not great.”
McTominay, a product of United’s youth academy, joined Napoli during the summer transfer window and has quickly become a key player for the Italian side.
His stellar performances in Serie A have drawn praise, leaving Manchester United fans and staff alike wondering what could have been had the financial situation been different.
Ten Hag did not mince words about the challenges that FFP poses for clubs like Manchester United, calling the regulations “bad” and suggesting that they forced the club to make difficult decisions regarding player transfers.
“The rules are, I would even say, bad… it forced us to make this decision,” he lamented.
The departure of McTominay, a fan favorite and a versatile midfielder, has been felt at United, especially given the club’s ongoing struggles with squad depth and consistency this season.
Despite this, Ten Hag remained focused on the financial realities, pointing out that complying with the FFP rules was a necessity, not a choice.
While McTominay continues to shine in Italy, the frustration from United’s camp highlights the increasing impact of financial regulations on modern football, especially for clubs balancing squad development and compliance with strict fiscal policies.
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