“I have played with TWO greatest midfielders in football history but there’s ONE particular Man United’s midfielder who’s better than all combined…I’m planning to leave Man United because of only him, he’s too good and looking at how he play I know I don’t have future here anymore”: Casemiro reveals why he’s planning to leave Man United, names ONE player as the reason.
Mick Brown, a former key figure at Manchester United during its glory days, has shared some eye-opening revelations about the financial difficulties the club is currently grappling with. Brown, who still maintains close ties to Old Trafford, spoke to Football Insider about how Manchester United would have breached profit and sustainability rules if not for the sale of certain players. According to him, this financial pressure is something the club has never faced before, forcing them to sell players before making significant purchases.
Traditionally known for their financial might, United found themselves in an unusual position during the 2024 transfer window. For the first time, they had to offload players to raise funds for new signings, a stark contrast to previous seasons when they could spend freely without worrying about player sales. One key departure that eased this financial strain was Scott McTominay, whose sale to Napoli allowed United to pursue other targets.
McTominay, a product of United’s youth academy with over 250 appearances for the first team, was sold to Napoli for £25.7 million on the final day of the summer transfer window. This sale was crucial for United’s ability to sign Manuel Ugarte, a highly sought-after midfielder. Brown revealed that without McTominay’s transfer, the club wouldn’t have been able to afford Ugarte due to profit and sustainability regulations.
Interestingly, Brown mentioned that McTominay had been on manager Erik ten Hag’s list of players to offload for some time. In 2023, Ten Hag had attempted to sell McTominay, along with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire, to Premier League clubs, including West Ham. However, despite Ten Hag’s efforts, McTominay remained at the club until his eventual move to Napoli.
Since his transfer to Serie A, McTominay’s performances have surprised many United fans. His strong displays in Italy have led some to question the club’s decision to sell him, especially given their current midfield struggles. A recent highlights package of McTominay’s games in Italy has sparked debate among supporters, who are now wondering whether United made a mistake by letting him go.
Brown, who is still well-informed about the club’s internal decisions, expressed confusion over the sale. He questioned why United were so eager to part ways with a player of McTominay’s abilities, especially when the team currently lacks depth in midfield. “They wanted him gone for a long time,” Brown told Football Insider. He also revealed that in 2023, United had tried to sell McTominay, Wan-Bissaka, and Maguire to raise funds.
Ultimately, financial constraints forced United’s hand. “They didn’t have the money to spend big on new signings, especially with the profit and sustainability rules in place,” Brown explained. McTominay’s sale was essential in freeing up funds for Ugarte, without which the club would have breached regulations. This marked a dramatic shift for a club that had never previously faced such financial limitations.
Brown voiced his frustration with the situation, particularly with Ten Hag’s decision to let McTominay go. “I don’t get it,” he said. “He always gives his all, no matter the circumstances, and he’s consistently reliable. I don’t understand why United couldn’t see his value, especially compared to some of their other midfielders.”
McTominay’s exit signals a significant change in Manchester United’s transfer and financial strategy. A club once known for its extravagant spending now finds itself having to be more cautious with its finances. Although they secured Ugarte, a player with tremendous potential, questions remain about whether selling a proven, homegrown talent like McTominay was the right call.
As McTominay continues to shine in Serie A, Manchester United supporters and analysts will closely watch his progress, wondering if the club erred in letting him go, especially considering their current midfield difficulties. For now, his departure, along with United’s financial constraints, illustrates a club at a critical juncture, balancing its on-field ambitions with the harsh realities of modern football economics.
