Iconic World Cup winner Marco Materazzi has accused Manchester United’s board of constructing ‘certainly one of the largest transfer mistakes ever’.
United were often hailed for his or her business within the transfer market during Sir Alex Ferguson’s long and successful reign but it surely has been a unique story since he retired in 2013.
A lot of United’s biggest signings since then have underwhelmed at Old Trafford, while several sold players have thrived elsewhere.
One player who has actually excelled since his Manchester United departure is academy graduate Scott McTominay, who was sold to Napoli in 2024.
McTominay had made 255 appearances for the Red Devils and hoped so as to add to that figure when United agreed a £26m take care of Serie A giants Napoli.
The Scotland international enjoyed an incredible first season in Naples, helping Antonio Conte’s side win the league and being named the Most Precious Player within the division.
McTominay was even nominated for the Ballon d’Or award after scoring 13 goals in all competitions from midfield – a number he has equalled this term.
Ex-Italy defender Materazzi says he believed from early on in McTominay’s profession that he would turn into ‘among the finest players on the planet’ and has slammed Manchester United’s decision to sell him for lower than £30m.
‘I really like Scott McTominay,’ Materazzi, who helped Italy win the 2006 World Cup, told Hajper. ‘I really like him a lot.
‘When he broke through at Manchester United as a teenager I laughed because I said to my son that even at 18 or 19 this can be a player who will go on to be among the finest players on the planet, and now he’s among the finest.
‘He’s an incredible box-to-box player. I don’t understand how United sold him for nothing because his value, for me, is £60-70m or more and so they sold him for just £26m.
‘I don’t know. Is that certainly one of the largest transfer mistakes we’ve ever seen? I feel so, absolutely.
‘Can Scott McTominay win the Ballon d’Or some day? It’s a pleasant idea because I really like him as a player.
‘But I don’t think he will probably be champion within the World Cup with Scotland and it’s challenging whenever you don’t win the largest trophies.’
Manchester United have been linked with a move for McTominay ahead of the summer transfer window, such has been his rise since leaving Old Trafford.
Addressing speculation over his future at Napoli earlier within the 12 months, McTominay said: ‘I’m extremely pleased here.
Should Manchester United re-sign McTominay?
Yes – he’d be perfect for them
No – they need to take a look at other players as a substitute
‘So far as I’m concerned, I’m a Napoli player; it’s all I take into consideration. The longer term could be very necessary, and I could see myself in Napoli for a very long time.
‘I really like this place. Difficulties have been minimal, my family is pleased and I’m pleased.’
A second successive Serie A title has evaded McTominay and Napoli, who’ve surrendered their crown to Inter Milan.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the most recent news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Noni Madueke names his ‘hardest opponent’ at Arsenal and Chelsea
MORE: Pep Guardiola sends title message to Arsenal after Man City beat Brentford
MORE: ‘So weak’ – Michael Carrick urged to sell Man Utd star after Sunderland draw