Former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy believe that INEOS has made a decision which is “one of the biggest mistakes in football”.
There have been some major changes at Manchester United since Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS took charge, and many of them have been unpopular.
Erik ten Hag was replaced by Ruben Amorim midway through last season, who has had a difficult time in charge at Old Trafford so far.
One of Ten Hag’s coaches when he arrived at the club was Benni McCarthy, with the ex-Premier League striker working closely with the forward players at United.
The South African has now spoken out about one of the biggest mistakes made during the INEOS era at United so far.
McCarthy slams INEOS decision as “biggest mistake”
Scott McTominay left United during the summer of 2024 to join Napoli in a deal worth around £25 million and the midfielder has been shining in Italy.
The United Academy graduate won the Serie A Player of the Season as Napoli went onto win the Italian league. McTominay scored 12 goals and registered six assists in the league.
McCarthy believes that the decision to sell McTominay was one of the “biggest mistakes in football” and he thinks that those at Old Trafford are regretting the decision.
“Of course, there are different reasons why you sell homegrown players sometimes. When they go, the profit lets you sign more players,” said McCarthy.
“Having said that, it was one of the biggest mistakes in football to let him leave. He was born to play for United. Maybe he wasn’t the most technical, but he had fight, and I think it’s what they will get back with Matheus Cunha.
“Scotty was a player that you look for in a dressing room to get you where you want to be. To let him go for what was a small transfer fee was a big shame. I think everyone at the club regrets that decision.”
Ten Hag agreed with McCarthy about McTominay
McTominay’s departure came from the board and it was a decision that Ten Hag also was unhappy about, after the Scotsman saved the United manager so many times the previous campaign.
“I am a little mixed. I am very happy for him but I would prefer not to lose him because he was so important for our team,” said Ten Hag shortly after the transfer was confirmed.
“He was at Manchester United for over 22 years. But unfortunately, it’s the rules. You have to discuss the rules to do sales. Obviously, homegrown players, academy players, bring more value.
“It’s not the right thing to do, but for everyone, for all parts, it’s a good deal. For Scott, he is happy with it. Of course, for Napoli, a very good player, but also for us.”
Some would argue that United’s biggest problem regarding the McTominay sale was not securing a good enough replacement.
Benni McCarthy was speaking to betonlinepromocodes.com.
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