Rio Ferdinand SLAMS Manchester United as club prepares to offload academy product Scott McTominay

Ex-Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand slammed the club's decision to sell academy graduate, Scott McTominy, to Italian giants Napoli.

Rio Ferdinand SLAMS Manchester United as club prepares to offload academy product Scott McTominay

Rio Ferdinand claimed that Manchester United would regret Scott McTominay's departure. (via Irish Times)

Ex-Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand slammed the club management for its decision to offload academy graduate, Scott McTominay. The 27-year-old midfielder prepares to move to Italy, and is set to join Serie A giants Napoli.

Napoli has reportedly agreed on a £25 million deal to buy Scott McTominay, marking an end to his nine-year association with the senior side. The 27-year-old midfielder made it through United’s academy, since joining it at the age of five. Having made more than 250 appearances for the side, he will now have to make way for Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan is set to arrive at Old Trafford from PSG, for an anticipated fee of £50 million.

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Former Red Devils legend Rio Ferdinand, however, claimed that the club would regret its decision to sell McTominay. He stated that the midfielder deserves to be sold at a higher price, seemingly between £40 to £50 million. Moreover, he highlighted that McTominay might not be the best player, but is crucial at times, comparing him to the likes of former EPL stars John O’Shea and Darren Fletcher.

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Lambasting the club management, Ferdinand stated that the Scottish midfielder might not perform well all the time nor start every match, but could be influential in winning matches at crucial junctures. He continued to oppose the club’s decision to sell the 27-year-old. 

Those players are huge, you need those players, especially the ones who come through the academy.. It really doesn't sit well with me. He might not always be an eight or nine out of 10 but invariably he is a good, solid seven.
Rio Ferdinand on Napoli-bound Scott McTominay (via TalkSport)

McTominay has often helped United win matches through his goals as a late substitute, with many fans also labeling him as a ‘super-substitute’. Therefore, it remains to be seen how the Red Devils fare without their star midfielder. 

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Napoli pushing to sign another Scottish international after securing a deal for Scott McTominay

Napoli are expected to sign another Scotland international, Billy Gilmour, after successfully securing a deal to sign Manchester United star Scott McTominay. The Brighton midfielder is expected to cost around £12 million, as they prepare for a transfer this weekend.

Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour
Napoli are hoping to secure a deal for Brighton’s Billy Gilmour, after having Scott McTominay deal. (via Sky Sports)

Antonio Conte has identified the Scottish duo as key for his new-look Napoli midfield, which is still coping with the departure of veteran star Piotr Zielinski. Gilmour would be a wonderful addition, with the player having made 41 appearances last season for the Seagulls, after joining from Chelsea in 2022. 

Moreover, the 23-year-old would be the Serie A side’s 7th summer signing, after having signed Alessandro Buongiorno, David Neres, Rafa Marin and Leonardo Spinazzola. They are also close to secure Chelsea outcast, Romelu Lukaku‘s signature. 

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