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2 weeks ago
12 Erik Ten Hag has been left with a conundrum after Manchester United confirmed the Deadline Day exit of Scott Mctominay who sealed his £25 million move to Napoli.
During Ten Hag’s reign at Old Trafford, Scott McTominay has been a crucial member of his plans with the Scottish midfielder being a versatile member of the squad.
Last season, the 27-year-old became important for the Dutch coach in terms of goal-scoring.
Manchester United’s forwards did not set the world alight and struggled to score consistently.
The academy graduate scored 10 goals in all competitions with seven coming in the Premier League.
McTominay memorably scored a late double against Brentford at Old Trafford to rescue the three points early in the last campaign.
He regularly became a focus point off the bench for the former Ajax boss who regularly used him as a second striker at times.
It is a ruthless transfer but a necessary exit for the United structure to use the profit to reinvest in the squad for the future and to adapt to the style of play that they desire.
Ten Hag has mixed emotions about McTominay’s Manchester United exit
It was clear that the former Ajax boss was keen on using McTominay and saw him as a useful member of the squad.
The Red Devils boss was even inclined to substitute the midfielder on for Bruno Fernandes against Brighton last weekend, despite the Napoli transfer progressing at the time.
Speaking in his press Conference, The United boss had mixed emotions about the Napoli transfer.
Addressing the media, Ten Hag said: “It’s a little bit mixed,
“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 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.”
Ten Hag’s Manchester United conundrum
The Red Devils boss will now be looking at other members of his squad to step up and become a reliable impact substitution.
Mctominay’s quality as a regular member of the starting XI was often questioned but it was clear that he had an impact off the bench.
Ten Hag will hope the addition of Joshua Zirkzee will help Rasmus Hojlund and the other attackers rotate and make an impact in games off the bench.

 
