BREAKING NEWS: “I’ve played alongside the two greatest midfielders in football history, but there’s one particular Manchester United midfielder who surpasses them all. I’m considering leaving Man United solely because of him; his talent makes me realize I don’t have a future here,” Casemiro explains his reason for wanting to depart the club.

Mick Brown, a former Manchester United staff member with deep ties to the club, has shared critical insights into the financial challenges currently facing the team. Brown, speaking with Football Insider, explained that Manchester United’s recent financial situation was unprecedented for the club, forcing them to sell key players to avoid breaching profit and sustainability regulations.

This necessity to offload players marked a sharp departure from United’s historical financial power, as they were compelled to make player sales before pursuing significant signings.

One of the key departures was Scott McTominay, a midfielder who had come through the club’s academy and made over 250 first-team appearances. He was sold to Napoli for £25.7 million during the final hours of the summer transfer window. This sale played a pivotal role in freeing up funds to finance the purchase of Manuel Ugarte, a highly coveted midfielder.

According to Brown, without McTominay’s sale, the transfer of Ugarte would not have been financially feasible due to the club’s need to comply with the profit and sustainability rules.

Interestingly, Brown revealed that McTominay had been on manager Erik ten Hag’s list of expendable players for some time. In 2023, Ten Hag had attempted to sell McTominay, along with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire, to raise funds for new signings.

Despite these efforts, McTominay remained at the club until his eventual transfer to Napoli. Following his move to Serie A, McTominay has impressed many with his performances, leading some to question United’s decision to let him go, especially given their current issues in midfield.

Brown expressed confusion and frustration over the sale, questioning why United was so eager to part with a player of McTominay’s caliber. He noted that McTominay had always given his all and performed consistently, qualities that are lacking in some of United’s current midfielders.

Despite securing Ugarte, Brown questioned whether selling a proven, homegrown player like McTominay was the right move, especially as United faces ongoing struggles in midfield.

The sale of McTominay, coupled with United’s financial constraints, signals a significant shift in the club’s transfer policy and financial strategy. While United was once known for lavish spending, they now face the challenge of balancing on-field ambitions with the realities of modern football finance.