INEOS chiefs told they’ve sold a player who is ‘improving quickly’, ex-pro is ‘surprised’ they let him go

Manchester United parted ways with a host of players across the summer window, with perhaps the most notable sale coming on deadline day.

After several months of being linked with a move away from Old Trafford, Scott McTominay eventually decided that he’d test his resolve while embarking on a new venture with Napoli.

United had rebuffed two bids from Fulham after not having their valuation met and held out until the Serie A outfit submitted a £25.7 million proposal, which included a 10 per cent sell-on fee. After INEOS chiefs deemed the offer an acceptable one, McTominay pulled the curtains on a 22-year association with the Red Devils.

The general belief among the media was that – like plenty of other clubs were doing – United had sold the Scot to give them increased room for manoeuvre around the league’s Profit and Sustainability regulations; as he’s a homegrown talent, the fee they recuperated helped balance the books by generating pure profit.

Even ex-Rangers and Fiorentina defender Lorenzo Amoruso admitted he was ‘surprised’ to see McTominay leave. He told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli: “I’m surprised that Manchester United did not decide to keep McTominay to develop. He is a player who is improving quickly.”

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McTominay had opted for Old Trafford exit, despite recent speculation

However, sporting director Dan Ashworth did recently speak out in an attempt to squash such rumours of United actively pushing for his sale, telling reporters: “One thing we’re forgetting in all these rules and regulations is the player’s wishes as well.

“I don’t know if I’ve talked about it before, but if a player has an opportunity, and Scott’s been fairly open, that maybe he needed a change. He’s been at Manchester United for 22 years… he’s been a brilliant, brilliant servant. But sometimes in life, you fancy a change and do something different.”

You couldn’t really blame McTominay for wanting said ‘change’, either. He had already been operating a reduced role after Kobbie Mainoo cemented a first-team spot last season and would’ve been well aware that his minutes would be slashed upon the arrival of summer recruit Manuel Ugarte, too.