Is Manchester United Regretting the Sale of Their Star Midfielder?
In a surprising analysis, former England footballer Gary Lineker has spotlighted a significant gap in Manchester United's current squad, particularly in light of their struggles this season. He has put forward a compelling argument for the return of Scott McTominay, a player the club sold last summer to Napoli for £26 million, asserting that he possesses the qualities that could revamp Ruben Amorim's struggling system at Old Trafford.
The pressing issue at hand is United's alarming goal-scoring record this season. As of now, they are on pace to finish the Premier League campaign with only 45 goals, a stark contrast to their previous tally of 49 in Louis van Gaal's last season during 2015-16. This tragic statistic comes against a backdrop where their former midfielder McTominay has found his form in Serie A, amassing an impressive eight goals and multiple standout performances for Napoli, where he seems to genuinely thrive under manager Antonio Conte.
Lineker passionately endorsed McTominay as a solution to United’s difficulties, remarking, "He’s exactly the player that would work in an Amorim system. He’s what they need." Despite McTominay's admirable contributions at his new club, Lineker lamented how financial constraints imposed by the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) led to his unnecessary departure. This situation spotlights a growing trend among clubs forced to offload academy players to maintain financial viability, contributing to a narrative that appears increasingly dire for Manchester United.
Indeed, the Scotland international’s departure mirrors a larger theme of mismanagement at United. During his tenure, McTominay often found himself miscast in a defensive role, a strategy which deprived him of maximising his attacking potential. His transition to a more offensive role at Napoli has ignited discussions about how United's coaching staff might have missed out on fully utilising his strengths.
Moreover, the shadow of McTominay’s impressive form amplifies United’s struggle for domestic relevance as they languish near the bottom of the Premier League table. As they fight for stability, their recent Europa League performance—summoned in a dramatic comeback against Lyon—provides a momentary lift. However, the overarching sentiment remains: under Amorim, United's management and strategic direction need urgent revitalisation to restore their former glory.
As they look ahead, the future of both McTominay and United remain intertwined in intriguing ways. United fans may understandably wonder if the club will attempt to reverse their decision and recall the player after this season, although Lineker has openly discussed how difficult the club's current environment is for talent.
What does the future hold for Manchester United, and will they reconsider their past decisions as they face a difficult summer ahead? As fans, what are your thoughts on the implications of McTominay's absence? Share your views below and join the conversation!
