Erik ten Hag slammed for ‘hypocritical’ transfer comments following Manchester United sale

Erik ten Hag has been slammed following his latest transfer comments after Manchester United confined a £25 million summer sale.

Manchester United experienced an exceptionally busy 2024 transfer window, transforming their squad significantly at Old Trafford.

Manager Erik ten Hag secured the signings of five prominent first-team players, namely Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Manuel Ugarte.

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At the same time, the club facilitated the departures of high-profile players like Scott McTominay, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood, raising over £120 million from these sales during the summer.

McTominay’s £25 million transfer from United to Serie A giants Napoli has caused quite a stir in the football world. Many feel that the 27-year-old still has plenty to offer the club.

Ten Hag himself admitted that he was disappointed to see McTomiany leave, blaming profit and sustainability rules for what he believes is a forced sale to help cover the books.

“It’s a little bit mixed,” Ten Hag told reporters when asked how he felt about selling McTomiany. “I’m very happy for him and it’s also for us, but it’s mixed, because I wouldn’t prefer to lose him, because he is Man United in every vein.

“He was so important for our team, for Manchester United. He was here for over 22 years. Unfortunately, it’s the [PSR] rules. We have to discuss the rules when you have to do sells and then, obviously, homegrown players, Academy players, they bring more value.

“That’s not the right thing to do, but yeah, I think for everyone, for all parts, it’s a good deal. For Scott, he’s happy with it. Of course, for Napoli, a very good player. But also for us.”

However, following these comments, former Premier League midfielder Michael Brown slammed Ten Hag, explaining that he feels the Dutchman “was talking a load of rubbish” regarding his reaction to McTominay’s sale, essentially calling the United boss a hypocrite.

“I think Erik ten Hag was talking a load of rubbish when he said he was disappointed at Scott McTominay’s departure,” Brown explained to the BBC.

“McTominay has given everything to Manchester United and whenever there has been a chance to leave him out, Ten Hag has. He keeps getting treated like the homegrown player rather than the player he is.

“The manager has not treated him right. I get certain other players have to play at times – but McTominay has not been treated right.”

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