Former West Ham striker Paolo Di Canio has fiercely criticized Manchester United’s decision to sell Scott McTominay, claiming that the club’s chiefs should be “arrested” for allowing the midfielder to leave Old Trafford. McTominay, who was a regular presence in United’s midfield for several seasons, signed for Napoli in a £27.5 million deal during the summer transfer window. The move has left Di Canio perplexed, as McTominay has quickly become a key player in Italy.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag made the decision to part ways with McTominay in favor of bringing in Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain. The deal was part of a broader squad overhaul as Ten Hag sought to reshape the team after a mixed first season in charge. While Ugarte is expected to bring a different style of play to United’s midfield, McTominay’s departure has raised eyebrows among both fans and football pundits, with Di Canio being one of the most vocal critics.
In an interview with Italian newspaper Il Mattino, Di Canio did not hold back in expressing his frustration with United’s decision. Known for his passionate views, Di Canio humorously suggested that those responsible for McTominay’s sale should face legal consequences for what he sees as a massive mistake.
“I would go to those at Manchester United to arrest all the directors – ‘how can you give away McTominay?’” Di Canio said.
McTominay, 27, had been a loyal servant to Manchester United, having come through the club’s youth academy and made over 200 appearances for the first team. His physicality, work rate, and passion on the pitch endeared him to the Old Trafford faithful, and he was often relied upon to deliver in crucial matches. However, his game time became increasingly limited after Ten Hag’s arrival, with the Dutch manager opting for other midfield options as he looked to implement his tactical vision.
Despite coming off the bench in United’s opening two Premier League games of the current season, McTominay found himself out of favor and ultimately accepted the move to Napoli. The transfer surprised many, as McTominay had long been seen as a valuable squad player capable of stepping up when needed.
Since his arrival in Italy, McTominay has wasted no time making an impact under Napoli manager Antonio Conte. The midfielder has recorded a goal and an assist in his last two matches, helping Napoli climb to the top of the Serie A table. His performances have impressed not only Napoli fans but also football analysts across Europe, with many praising his seamless transition into Italian football.
For Di Canio, McTominay’s early success in Serie A is further proof that Manchester United made a grave error in letting him go. The former West Ham star, who has a deep connection with both English and Italian football, believes that McTominay could have continued to be a valuable asset for United, particularly given the intensity and physical demands of the Premier League.
McTominay’s playing style, characterized by his box-to-box movement, defensive contributions, and occasional goals, made him a versatile player for United during his time at the club. However, with the arrival of Ugarte from PSG, Ten Hag appears to have prioritized a different type of midfielder, one who fits more closely with his tactical philosophy.
Ugarte, a more technically gifted player, brings composure and passing ability to the heart of midfield, traits that Ten Hag values as he seeks to build a possession-based team. Nevertheless, McTominay’s departure has left a gap in United’s midfield depth, particularly in terms of his physicality and experience in the Premier League.
Di Canio’s comments reflect a broader concern among some fans and pundits that Manchester United’s decision-making in the transfer market has been inconsistent in recent years. While the club has spent heavily on new signings, several players who have left Old Trafford in recent seasons have gone on to thrive elsewhere, leading to questions about whether United is making the best use of its talent pool.
McTominay’s move to Napoli is the latest example of a player who, after being deemed surplus to requirements at United, has gone on to excel in a new environment. His performances in Italy have sparked renewed debate about whether United was too hasty in allowing him to leave, particularly as the club continues to struggle for consistency in its own performances.
As Napoli sit top of Serie A, with McTominay playing a key role, Di Canio’s assessment of the situation is gaining traction. The outspoken pundit has never been one to shy away from controversial opinions, and his suggestion that United’s directors should be “arrested” for selling McTominay is typical of his dramatic style. Nevertheless, his underlying point — that McTominay was undervalued by United — resonates with many who have followed the midfielder’s career.
Only time will tell whether McTominay’s success in Italy will continue, but for now, his performances are providing ample justification for Di Canio’s frustration with Manchester United’s decision. As the season progresses, both United and McTominay will be under the spotlight, with fans watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.
