Erik ten Hag left devastated by Scott McTominay's departure as he explains why the Manchester United star was sold
Erik ten Hag could not hide his disappointment at the sale of Scott McTominay to Napoli.
The 27-year-old has completed a deadline day Stay away from Manchester United in a £25m move.
The midfielder's departure is good news for the club in terms of Profit and Sustainability rules, as the academy graduate is classed as pure profit on their balance sheet.
But while the departure is good business for the club's accounts, Ten Hag He is not so enthusiastic from a football point of view.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Red Devils' game against rivals Liverpool on Sunday and before the official announcement, he said: “It's a bit of a mixed bag.
“I'm very happy for him, but I have mixed feelings because I wouldn't rather lose him.
“He is Manchester United in every way, he was very important for Manchester United.
“He was here for more than 22 years, but unfortunately that's the way it is.
“Local players bring more value and that is not right, but for everyone, for all parties, it is good business.
“Scott is happy with this, as are Napoli and us.”
Confirming his departure on Friday night, United said: “McTominay will be missed by everyone at the club and leaves with our best wishes as he embarks on a new chapter of his career in Italy.
“Good luck Scott, see you soon and thanks for the great memories.”
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After coming through the United academy, McTominay went on to make 255 appearances in all competitions.
In that time he scored 29 goals, ten of them last season.
McTominay may not be the only player on the verge of leaving United on the final day of the deadline.
Jadon Sancho He could complete a loan move to Chelsea, three years after arriving from Borussia Dortmund, where he spent the second half of last season.
That loan move could include an obligation to make the deal permanent next summer.
But while Sancho and McTominay could leave, the Red Devils are ready to bring in Manuel Ugarte.
The midfielder will arrive at Old Trafford from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth up to £50m.
However, he was not registered in time to face the Reds.
