BREAKING NEWS: “We had to part ways with him because his salary demands were too high. However, we are certainly planning to bring in a replacement soon,” said Sir Jim Ratcliffe, commenting on Manchester United’s decision to sell a key player who sought a significant increase in wages for a new contract.

Scott McTominay’s desire for a pay increase before agreeing to a new contract extension significantly influenced Manchester United’s decision to sell him during the summer transfer window. Journalist Miguel Delaney, in his ‘Reading the Game’ newsletter, revealed that the club’s decision to part ways with the Scottish midfielder was driven not only by the potential financial gains from his sale but also by the need to reduce wage expenses.

Manchester United confirmed McTominay’s departure on the final day of the summer transfer window, ending his 22-year association with the club. The club brought in Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain as his replacement. Despite manager Erik ten Hag’s desire to retain the 27-year-old, the club could not justify meeting his salary demands.

Delaney noted that United’s financial decisions this summer were heavily influenced by constraints from past player contracts and the stringent Profit and Sustainability Rules. These financial regulations forced the club to make tough choices, ultimately leading to McTominay’s sale, even though he was a valuable squad member.

Sources close to the club indicated that McTominay was highly regarded at Old Trafford, often seen as the best “12th man” in the squad, capable of delivering whenever needed. As a homegrown academy graduate, he was one of the club’s most marketable and sellable assets.

His request for higher wages made the sale a logical step to balance the books and comply with financial regulations. McTominay’s departure not only brought in a substantial transfer fee but also freed up salary space, allowing United to operate more effectively within their financial constraints.

Throughout his career at Manchester United, McTominay made 255 appearances, scoring 29 goals and providing eight assists. He played a key role in helping the team win an FA Cup and a Carabao Cup and contributed to reaching the finals of both the Europa League and FA Cup. His achievements at Old Trafford underline his importance to the club.

McTominay’s move to Napoli under manager Antonio Conte offers him a fresh challenge and the opportunity to compete for major honors in Italy. Conte, known for building title-winning teams, has assembled a strong squad at Napoli, capable of challenging for the Serie A title. McTominay’s transition to Napoli marks a new chapter in his career, filled with promise as he seeks to make an impact in Italian football.