Gary Lineker critiques Man Utd"s sale of McTominay to Napoli

Scott McTominay's transfer to Napoli for £25 million marked the end of a significant chapter in his career, having been with Manchester United since 2002. The deal was finalized on deadline day, and it brought an emotional conclusion to his 22-year journey with the club. McTominay made his senior debut in 2017 and accumulated 255 appearances, scoring 29 goals during his time at United. Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, expressed his disappointment regarding McTominay's departure. He acknowledged the midfielder's importance to the team and hinted that the club's financial constraints, particularly the Profit and Sustainability Rules, influenced the decision to sell a homegrown player. Ten Hag's comments reflected a sense of loss for a player who had become integral to the squad. Gary Lineker, alongside Micah Richards, voiced criticism of the sale on the Rest Is Football podcast. Lineker pointed out that while the club received a decent transfer fee, it did not equate to the value McTominay brought to the pitch. He emphasized the midfielder's recent improvements and contributions, particularly in international matches, where McTominay has been impactful for Scotland. Richards also highlighted the need to recognize McTominay's efforts and contributions, suggesting that he deserves more respect for his performances. The discussion around McTominay's sale underscores the ongoing challenges faced by clubs in balancing financial regulations with the retention of key players.