Ten Hag admits selling Scott McTominay to Napoli was forced by financial rules

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expressed frustration over the forced sale of midfielder Scott McTominay to Napoli, according to reporting by TEAMtalk. Addressing the transfer, the Dutch coach revealed that he opposed selling the Scotland international, but strict Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) compelled the club to make the deal.

Because McTominay emerged through United’s youth academy, his transfer fee represented pure profit on the club’s balance sheet, easing financial constraints.​ Ten Hag praised McTominay’s dedication and character, noting that the player “has Manchester United in his veins” after spending more than 22 years at Old Trafford.

Despite admitting the financial rules create undesirable transfer pressures, Ten Hag acknowledged that the move ultimately proved beneficial for both the club and the player, who quickly adapted to life in Serie A under Antonio Conte.